When Oscar Ornelas began his GED en Español journey with Esperanza’s Adult Learners Program on January 5, 2023, he had one goal in mind: to build a better future. Like many adult learners who come to the United States seeking opportunity, Oscar saw the GED as a stepping stone toward employment, stability, and personal growth.
What he didn’t expect was that the journey would not only open doors — it would ignite a deeper calling: to become a teacher and give back to others following in his footsteps.
The Road to a GED: A Commitment to Growth
Oscar’s path to earning his diploma was anything but easy. He worked full-time and lived in Painesville, yet regularly commuted to Cleveland to meet with his tutors in person. Balancing job responsibilities, personal life, and academic preparation is a challenge for any student — and for adult learners, it often requires even greater resilience.
Throughout his journey, Oscar received dedicated support from two experienced volunteer tutors through Esperanza’s Adult Learners Program. Mr. Fernando Hernandez, a retired bilingual aide from Cleveland Public Schools, provided patient and consistent math instruction. Meanwhile, Mr. Hiram Douglas Williams, a Spanish teacher at Avon High School, offered guidance in Social Studies, Science, and Language Arts.
Together, they formed a support system that not only strengthened Oscar’s academic foundation but also encouraged him to believe in his potential.
Strength in Partnerships: Support Beyond the Classroom
In May 2024, Esperanza strengthened its support for adult learners by launching a new partnership with College Now Greater Cleveland. Through this collaboration, eligible students like Oscar gained access to GED voucher codes that covered the cost of their official exams — removing a financial barrier that often stands in the way of progress. Thanks to this resource, Oscar was able to register for and complete his GED tests with added confidence and support.
Overcoming Obstacles, One Subject at a Time
Progress didn’t always come quickly. Oscar faced setbacks, like failing a practice test or needing additional time to master certain topics. But he remained steadfast.
Through hard work and repetition, he passed:
- Social Studies in November 2023
- Science in September 2024
- Math in April 2024
- Language Arts in March 2025
And on March 26, 2025, he achieved what once seemed distant: holding his official GED diploma.
A Program Built on Second Chances and New Beginnings
Esperanza’s Adult Learners Program supports individuals like Oscar by offering bilingual instruction, culturally responsive resources, and one-on-one tutoring for those preparing to take the GED exam. The program emphasizes flexibility, compassion, and consistency — key elements in supporting adult learners who may be navigating work, family, and language barriers.
Esperanza is proud to be the only nonprofit in Ohio offering a GED program entirely in Spanish — a lifeline for native Spanish-speaking adults who might otherwise be left out of traditional education pathways.
For many participants, the GED is more than a diploma. It represents access: to college, to better jobs, to a sense of pride, and to the next chapter of their lives.
From Student to Aspiring Educator
Now that he’s earned his GED, Oscar’s aspirations have expanded. He has enrolled at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) and is working toward his dream of becoming a teacher. Inspired by the mentors who guided him, he hopes to one day be the kind of educator who understands his students’ challenges — because he’s lived them.
His goal is to support the next generation of learners, especially those navigating similar cultural and academic transitions. Oscar wants to be a voice of encouragement for immigrant and first-generation students, proving that it’s never too late to pursue an education.
A Message to Other Adult Learners
Oscar’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, mentorship, and community. To other adults considering the GED path, he offers this simple message:
“Don’t give up. Your journey might be long, but every step brings you closer to a better future. If I can do it, so can you.”
About Esperanza’s Adult Learners Program
Esperanza, Inc. is committed to advancing educational opportunities for the Northeast Ohio community. Our Adult Learners Program provides free GED preparation, digital literacy courses, and career readiness resources in both English and Spanish.
