Graduating with honor
The Beacon of Hope, one of the island’s greatest treasures, was born through the tragedy of Hurricane Charley. One of the many public services offered by this hands-on organization is its GED program. Armando Perez, a recent Beacon graduate, overcame difficulties that according to many who know him, would have likely halted most of us in our tracks. Perez, who was born here but moved to Mexico when he was only 9, came back to this country, after only having completed middle school, believes in enjoying every facet of his journey wherever it happens to take him. At 22, he’s completely independent and admits it was scary at first to have so much to learn in a place which was largely unfamiliar.
“I came here in 2016 and planned only to go to work,” said Perez. “The owners where I was working brought me to the GED program.”
Perez speaks about the help he received from his employers, Ila and Frank Valcarcel, as being instrumental to his plan to continue his education. He describes his experience with meeting the Beacon GED teachers and working toward his goal as something that instilled in him the desire to go back and offer help to those who are now working toward their own GED.
Having an instinct to teach comes naturally to him, as he said even as a middle-school youngster in Mexico, he was driven to correct their English, when teachers were mistaken about something he had already learned here. George Miller, who teaches classes for the GED program, and also volunteers at Pine Island Elementary teaching math, continues to help Perez now, with his college work. A sophomore at FSW, Perez has taken on a class load of three courses at a time, and said he doesn’t quite understand other students in their hurry to get through what he sees as a wonderful part of a continuing journey through education.
“A lot of kids take a lot of classes in one semester, and they don’t notice that the best experience was going to college,” said Perez.
His plans are to either become an accountant or go into marketing, though he hasn’t yet decided which one will become his future. At the present time, he works for a company called Uniscape, building waterfalls. Perez confesses being receptive to learning just about anything new, and feels fortunate to have had the opportunities to work with the people that he has, such as Miller and Mary Lou Martin, who also teaches at the Beacon.
“Most students just graduate with their GED and move on to do the next thing,” said Perez. “But I graduated two years ago and I’m still a part of it.”
With scholarships he’s received covering his books and education, Perez is well on his way to his degree. He believes it’s important not to become discouraged if educational goals seem difficult at first, adding that we all learn from our mistakes and inevitably get better, as our failure should only encourage us to try harder next time. After graduation, Perez met someone who told him to never forget where he came from, and the adversity he once faced in his own life. He emphasizes the important role other people have played in his life, who have helped him every step of the way.
“I’ll never forget that,” said Perez. “I know how difficult it was starting from zero and having nothing. As soon as I finish, I’m going to get a better job so that I can help others. For every step I take, there will be two more taken in humility.”
The GED classes are held on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. For additional information about the program, please contact Mary Lou Martin, the program director, at 239-565-7012 or at the Beacon at 239-283-5123.
The Beacon of HOPE?is at 5090 Doug Taylor Cir, St James City, FL 33956