Gaby moved to the United States from her home country of Mexico when she was just seventeen years old. A bright student with an ambitious personality, she challenged herself to enter the local American high school and stay on track to go to college. She wanted to do her best—she wanted to embrace the fresh start that life had presented to her. 

When Gaby entered the local high school in her new town, she worked hard on her English language studies as well as the high school credits required during her senior year. However, her teachers and school counselors suggested that Gaby repeat the final year of high school—even though she was on track to finish in time at her high school in Mexico. 

This was discouraging news. Gaby knew that she was capable of more than others expected of her. Because she didn’t want to have to repeat courses and because she knew that she was ready for the next step regardless of what she had been told, Gaby dropped out of high school. 

She spent the next few months teaching herself English and finding the right educational institution that would support her efforts towards her high school diploma.  

Gaby found that support at Catawba Valley Community College. 

CVCC is comprised of 4 distinct Schools—General Education, Health Education, Career & Technical Education, and Community Development & Public Services Education. At the School of General Education, students like Gaby can benefit from earning course credits towards their Associate in Science or Associate in Arts degrees. The School of General Education is also home to our Career & College Readiness (CCR) programs, serving students who wish to take ESL or enroll in High School Equivalency to earn their GED. When Gaby learned about the opportunities provided through CCR programs, she felt inspired and encouraged to pick back up where she left off: finishing high school. 

Gaby recognized that becoming fluent in the English language would allow her to build a greater sense of community in the Catawba Valley region. It would also give her the interpersonal skills she needed to fulfil her dream of one day opening her own business. Taking ESL at CVCC was the first step on her path.  

“When I was in the ESL classes,” Gaby says, “the teachers were so kind and helpful. They said that I should also go for the GED because my English was already improving. So, while I was enrolled in ESL, I also moved forward by taking the GED classes. All of it helped me to want to go farther.” 

During her time in the GED program, Gaby held a particular interest in her U.S. Social Studies class. At that point in time, Gaby was not yet a United States citizen—so she used her class time to gain as much knowledge and insight as possible about the citizenship process.  

“That class encouraged me to become a U.S. citizen too,” Gaby recalls. “The teacher was so helpful because she convinced me to take the tests I needed to complete my programs of study. I also wanted to learn and earn a certificate beyond my GED studies—so my teacher connected me with the notary public continuing education program at CVCC.”  

“I wanted to become a notary public because I saw it as an opportunity to open my own business. I have two kids, and I wanted to work from my house—that meant I could open my own business so that I could work by my own hours.” 

Most anyone who spoke with Gaby learned about her dream of moving beyond a notary public and into the field of accounting. After her teacher’s recommendations, Gaby had the motivation she needed to complete her exams—the ESL certification, the GED, and even the requirements which would lead her to passing the U.S. Citizenship test. 

Her next stop? Completing the notary public course at CVCC. 

Notary public is one of CVCC’s short-term continuing education courses. Like most students, Gaby took this course to meet the requirements of becoming a candidate for Notary Public commission.  

After completing the notary public course, Gaby plans to enter the CVCC Business & Accounting degree program. Earning a degree in Business & Accounting would set Gaby up to build her educational credentials at the university level, or even better, to start planning the business of her dreams.  

Although Gaby has not yet completed the Business & Accounting program at CVCC, she is proud of accomplishing her goals thus far. Her growth from being a native Spanish speaker who was discouraged from finishing high school into a confident, determined U.S. citizen who is a caretaker for both her community and her own family should serve as an inspiration to us all. 

Her experience—and her mission—hinges on her plans to improve the quality and scope of notary public (or similar) services within our region.  

“I am in this business because I am a Latina Mexican woman,” she says. “I see all of the families who grew up in a similar situation as I did. Most are Spanish-speaking only. I realized that I could be that person who helps so many people who cannot speak English.” 

When the day comes to open her accounting firm, she hopes to provide a welcoming, safe, and educational space for members of our community who do not receive advice elsewhere. 

“I know that people in this area work so hard,” she explains. “My dad came here [to the U.S.] when he was a teenager. I can tell you, he is grown up and still cannot speak English—and I have seen how men like him have a difficult time.” 

Once Gaby has settled her family and their plans, she will return to CVCC to finish her Associate’s Degree in Business & Accounting. For now, she is grateful to the instructors and peers who have helped her feel connected to our college community. She hopes to foster this network of learning and encouragement which she found in Red Hawk Nation.