Rising Through the Struggle: Veronica's Path to Purpose

Veronica's path to education was far from traditional. Raised by a single mother battling alcoholism, her early years were filled with instability. Her grandmother stepped in to raise her and her sister, while her brothers were placed with their biological father. Constantly moving between her mother and grandmother's care, Veronica never had a solid foundation. At just 16, she was kicked out of her home and found herself living on the streets. By 17, she was pregnant, and her mother was incarcerated. 

In an attempt to create stability, she entered a relationship with her child’s father, but it turned abusive. Struggling to cope, she turned to drugs and alcohol. Despite efforts to get clean, addiction repeatedly pulled her back, costing her jobs and homes. By early 2016, she was arrested for fraud and served time until 2017. It was during this period that she found a new sense of hope.

While incarcerated, Veronica attended every Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meeting she could. It was there she first heard about LearningQuest's High School Equivalency (HSE) program. Encouraged by her HSE instructor, she took her first two HSE tests while still in jail, passing both reading and writing. Her instructor also emphasized the importance of creating a plan for her future and advised her to get connected to LearningQuest again once released.  

Upon her release, Veronica knew she needed to stay on a positive path, so she immediately re-enrolled in the HSE program. She dedicated herself to finishing her 3 remaining tests, determined not to fall back into old habits. Before completing her last exam, she met with transition specialists, who introduced her to the idea of college. Initially hesitant due to financial concerns, she was reassured that financial aid and scholarships could help her achieve her goals.  

Veronica graduated with her HSE in 2017 and, with the support of LearningQuest, a transition specialist took her to Modesto Junior College (MJC) and introduced her to staff and supportive programs like the CARE program. She soon found a community of friends who shared similar backgrounds, including Tanya, with whom she later transferred to California State University, Stanislaus. 

By 2020, her academic advisor encouraged her to apply to Stan State. She was accepted and joined Project Rebound, an initiative that supports formerly incarcerated students. At the same time, she balanced courses at both MJC and Stan State, determined to make the most of every opportunity. 

In 2023, she earned her associate’s degree in chemical Dependency Counseling from MJC. In 2024, she graduated from Stan State with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Her journey came full circle when she was hired as a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counselor at Redwood Family Treatment Center—the same facility where she had once sought help. 

Veronica at her MJC Graduation

Throughout her academic journey, Veronica remained deeply involved in community outreach. She volunteered at MJC and participated in Hispanic and Black Education Conferences. She also received scholarships, including the Well Women’s Scholarship, recognizing her resilience and dedication. 

Her success opened doors to national recognition. She was invited to a conference in New York to speak to formerly incarcerated women and how education can break the cycle of recidivism. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “When you're in jail, you don't have a lot of hope. You don't dream big or think you can have a different way of life. But LearningQuest and the HSE instructor helped me make an exit plan for a successful future.” 

Now, Veronica is preparing to apply for a Master's in Clinical Counseling program in January 2026. She continues to inspire others by sharing her story and proving that with determination, support, and education, change is possible. 

Veronica's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of educational opportunities. She transformed her past struggles into motivation, using her experiences to help others on similar paths. “If it weren’t for the programs in place, I wouldn’t have graduated. LearningQuest gave me hope when I needed it most.”