Yazmin steps onto the stage with confidence, ready to share her story with her peers and celebrate this milestone.

Yazmin A.C. is a determined young woman who recently graduated from Pathways In Education (PIE). Growing up as the firstborn in her family, Yazmin faced the responsibility of guiding and supporting her younger siblings while navigating the challenges of high school. With the support of her family and PIE’s caring staff, she not only graduated but also became the first member of her family to earn a high school diploma.

The Challenge
Before coming to PIE, Yazmin was nervous about fitting in and finishing school. She recalls:

"I walked in with hope, unsure if I would be accepted, fearful of language barriers, and carrying the weight of the news that I might not graduate on time."

She also faced the responsibilities of being the firstborn in her family:

"I realized that my role as an older sister came with responsibility—to guide and support my younger siblings."

Her family had made sacrifices to give her opportunities, and she wanted to honor them and gave her thanks in Spanish:

"Hoy, aquí de pie, estoy segura de que terminar el instituto fue la decisión correcta. A pesar de todos los obstáculos, me dio un propósito y me ayudó a convertirme en la persona que soy hoy. Pero eso es solo una parte de mi historia. Estoy aquí no solo por mí, sino por mi familia, dos de los cuales, sin su apoyo, no estaría hoy aquí. Dos personas muy importantes para mí que dejaron a sus familias y su hogar en México con nada más que un sueño y la esperanza de encontrar algo mejor."

Speaking to her fellow graduates, Yazmin reflects on her journey and the dedication that brought her here.

The Pathways Impact
PIE helped Yazmin feel welcome, supported, and capable of achieving her goal. She shared her plans with the principal and teachers:

"I sat with our amazing principal Mike, my teacher Chloe, and I shared with them my goal: to graduate on May 29th and to make my parents proud. This goal meant everything to me. Mike and Chloe believed in me. For them, NOT graduating was NOT an option. To them, becoming the first graduate of my family and making my parents proud was the only option."

The school also helped her parents understand the support she was receiving:

"But all of this meant nothing unless my parents had a clear understanding of the support I had. Their blessing was very important to me. I have Laura to thank for that. All of this would not have been possible without her help as a translator for my parents."

Yazmin proudly receives her diploma from Principal Leslie Lehnertz

Supportive Teachers & Community
Yazmin felt that her teachers and PIE staff cared about her as a person, not just a student:

"Mike, Chloe, and Laura, Thank you! I MADE IT!"

Her family’s encouragement was also central to her success:

"It was the sacrifices my mother willingly gave that shaped me into who I am today. She taught me how to learn from mistakes and that doing the right thing is important, especially when it is hard. Estoy orgullosa de seguir sus pasos. Mientras la miro con lágrimas en los ojos, sólo puedo pensar: ella es el ejemplo perfecto de la persona en la que quiero convertirme. Gracias, mamá. Te quiero."

She also honored her father:

"Silvestre stepped into the role of my father when I was a young girl and has been there for me ever since. He always loved and supported me…It makes me so happy to know he is proud of me as I stand here giving this speech."

Reflection & Achievement
With the help of PIE, Yazmin turned her fears into achievement. She encourages others to believe in themselves and accept help when needed:

"As my story shows, the journey will not always be easy, but great things can happen if we are brave enough to believe in ourselves and humble enough to accept the help of others."

Yazmin A.C.’s story shows how PIE can change lives. With support from teachers, staff, and family, she overcame obstacles, graduated from high school, and made her parents proud. Her journey is a powerful example of perseverance, courage, and the difference a caring school can make.