Madison Flannery

Lewis and Clarck Community College

Madison Flannery’s journey is a powerful example of resilience, perseverance, and the life-changing impact of adult education. After personal and educational challenges interrupted her path to a traditional high school diploma, Madison made the decision to pursue her Illinois High School Diploma, opening the door to new opportunities for herself and her family. Throughout her educational journey, she balanced the demands of working full-time while raising two young children. Although she began working toward her diploma in 2019, personal challenges required her to step away for a period of time. When she returned in March 2022, she was determined to achieve her goal, completing her remaining three tests in just two months and earning her Illinois High School Diploma in June 2022.

Madison’s achievement marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter. The following year, she was selected as the annual graduate speaker, where she proudly shared that she was honored not only to address her fellow graduates but also to serve as a role model for her children, who were in attendance. Building on that success, Madison earned her Associate of Science degree with an emphasis in Paralegal Studies from Lewis and Clark Community College in May 2026. She continues to work full-time, and her dedication and strong work ethic have made her such a valued employee that her employer has provided housing for her family. Reflecting on her journey, Madison shares, “I hope my story inspires you to keep going. No matter the circumstances, it’s never too late. You have options. You have people here at Lewis and Clark who believe in you and support whatever dream you have.” Her story demonstrates that with determination, support, and access to adult education, it is never too late to achieve your goals and create a brighter future.

Rodas family

Heartland Community College

When Demecio and Magaly Rodas moved from Guatemala to Los Angeles with their two young sons in October 2013, they discovered that life in LA was more overwhelming than they expected. Without the support of friends and family, they felt lonely and discouraged. It was difficult to find a job, services for their family, and a community to belong. In November of 2014, the Rodas family moved to Bloomington/Normal to be closer to Demecio’s brothers who helped him find a job and offered a place to stay. Right away the Rodas learned about all the resources this community has to offer. It was easy to enroll their sons into a school here that provided bilingual education. Both Demecio and Magaly realized that they too had to learn English to have a fulfilling life in the community.

In the Fall of 2015 Magaly decided to enroll in Adult Ed classes at Heartland Community College with help of her sister-in-law who was a student at HCC at that time. Through some life setbacks and family obligations, Magaly had to stop and return to classes several times. At last in Spring of 2025, she graduated form Adult Ed’s Academic English Language Program (AELP). Magaly has always dreamed of earning a degree since she didn’t have the opportunity to finish her degree in Guatemala. She plans to start by taking Small Business Management classes to eventually become a local business owner.

Demecio also had a dream of finishing his degree from Guatemala, but providing for the family took priority. He had to work several jobs and long hours for a while before he was able to open his own flooring installation business. However, limited English language skills were preventing him from growing his business. Therefore, Demecio also decided to enrollee into Adult Ed classes at HCC. Due to his work schedule, it was difficult to consistently attend classes. However, when the program started offering online instruction, this was a perfect solution for Demecio. He is currently taking AELP classes and upon finishing, plants to continue his education at HCC.

Demecio’s daughter, Mariana, wanted to move to the U.S. to be closer to her father. She started her immigration process in 2018 but it took several years. Finally, on August 1, 2024 she arrived in Bloomington, Normal to join her family. She immediately enrolled in Adult Ed courses as she wanted to continue her education and did not want to waste any time. Mariana is expected to finish AELP program in Spring on 2026. She plans to continue her education journey by earning a degree in criminal justice.

The Rodas family is one of many examples of how Adult Education can impact the entire family.

Tracey Hartman

Kennedy-King College

Inspired by her daughter’s courage, Tracey Hartman built a future through education. For her, returning to school to get her Illinois High School Diploma at Kennedy-King College through the Adult Education program was about much more than earning a diploma. It was about honoring the example of courage she witnessed in her daughter, Taylor.

“Watching my child fighting against a deadly illness every day for months was the impetus for me to go back and earn my high school diploma. I wanted to be the mom she deserved,” said Tracey Hartman, Illinois High School Diploma earner, Class of 2026. “I tell others to go back because it’s not too late and it will make you feel truly accomplished. Earning my diploma helped me feel more confident and I know it will open many more doors for me.”

Hartman’s decision to continue her education was shaped by her experience after Taylor was diagnosed with medulloblastoma. During months spent in the hospital, Hartman watched her daughter endure surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, rehabilitation, and countless challenges with determination.

Before Taylor’s diagnosis, earning a high school diploma was a goal Hartman had postponed for years. But seeing her daughter continue to fight despite the obstacles she faced inspired Hartman.

“I decided to return to school because I wanted to show Taylor that obstacles do not have to define your future,” she said. “I wanted her to see that learning, growth, and perseverance are lifelong pursuits. Earning my diploma became about more than education, it became about setting an example for my daughter and proving that it is never too late to start again.”

This summer, Hartman began pursuing her associate degree because she wants to one day work in Health sector, protecting hospital systems from cyber-attacks. In addition, while navigating treatment with her daughter, Hartman met families whose lives had also been disrupted by serious illness. Many facing financial hardship, housing instability, and other challenges long after their child was released from the hospital.

That realization became the foundation for Taylor’s Bridge, her housing nonprofit. Taylor’s Bridge Housing will focus on creating affordable housing while also providing supportive services and resources, for people navigating difficult circumstances.

“In many ways, my decision to return to school and my decision to develop Taylor’s Bridge came from the same place,” she said. “Watching my daughter fight for her future inspired me to fight for mine. Her courage pushed me to pursue goals I had delayed for years, and it inspired me to create something that could help other families facing difficult circumstances find hope, stability, and opportunity.”

As she begins her studies at Kennedy-King College, Hartman is carrying forward the lessons she learned from her daughter’s resilience and proving that it is never too late to get your high school diploma, create new opportunities, and build a brighter future.