Ruby entered the High School Equivalency (HSE) program with a clear purpose. As the primary caregiver for her five-year-old daughter, who is blind, and for her mother, who was battling cancer, her daily responsibilities were immense. Even so, she remained determined to earn her equivalency certificate and build better opportunities for her family.

From the beginning, Ruby approached the program with discipline and focus.

She spent extra hours studying through the HiSET Academy platform and quickly began making progress. Within her first month, she passed the Reading test on her first attempt. Encouraged by that success, she challenged herself further, taking both the Social Studies and Science exams on the same day and passing both.

With only Writing and Math remaining, Ruby devoted additional time to preparation. Writing had once been difficult for her, but she passed that exam on her first try.

Math proved to be her final challenge. Although she studied diligently, she did not pass the test during her first attempt.

Rather than becoming discouraged, Ruby chose to pause testing during the holidays to spend time with her daughter and mother.

In February 2026, she returned determined to finish what she started. This time, she passed the Math exam, completing the program just before reaching her six-month timeline in HSE.

Ruby now plans to pursue vocational training as a Medical Assistant, a career inspired by the care she provides her family each day.

“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another.” – Walter Elliot.

By Indira Gracia, LACOE-CDP Specialist | Palmdale HSE