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Life rarely follows a straight line. Detours, pauses, and restarts are part of the human experience, especially in education. At Smart Schools, we believe that your past does not dictate your future. No one proves this better than our current student, Alejandro Tirado.
At 32 years old, Alejandro is proving that finding the right time to finish high school is more important than finishing at the “typical” time.
The Journey Off Track
Like many students, Alejandro didn’t start out struggling. During his first and second years of high school, he was thriving. He was an athlete playing football, baseball, and basketball, maintaining A’s and B’s.
However, during his junior year, his social circle shifted. Alejandro recalls moving away from his teammates and coaches—who provided him with discipline—and falling in with a crowd focused on partying. “I didn’t have that discipline in my life anymore,” Alejandro reflects. The distractions of substance use and skipping class eventually led to too many absences, and he dropped out during his senior year.
Finding the “Right Season”
Years later, Alejandro found himself ready for a change. Through his discipleship program at the Dream Center and the encouragement of his brother—a Smart Schools graduate himself—Alejandro decided to enroll.
For Alejandro, returning to school at 32 wasn’t a burden; it was a blessing. He describes this period of his life as the “right season.” Being in a secure environment at the Dream Center has allowed him to prioritize his education without the distractions that derailed him in the past.
“I’m not tempted to go out and do bad things,” he says. “I used to procrastinate… I’m focused on it now.”
A Future in Engineering
Alejandro isn’t just getting his diploma to check a box; he is building a foundation for a massive future. His goal is to attend South Mountain Community College for two years before transferring to a university to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering. He views this career path as a way to give back.
Motivated by Love and Faith
What keeps him going? Alejandro credits his renewed faith, his desire to be a righteous man, and his love for his family. He is pursuing this dream for his mother, his daughter, and ultimately, for himself. He is determined to change his life and be better than he was before.
Alejandro’s Message: Pursue It
To anyone currently sitting on the fence, wondering if they have missed their window of opportunity, Alejandro has a simple message: “Pursue it.”
“It’s never too late because I thought it was late for me already, but it wasn’t so,” Alejandro shares. “If they want to do it, they can do it. They have the potential and willingness to get their diploma.”
How to Get Started
Ready to earn your high school diploma? Find out how Smart Schools can help you accomplish your goal and learn more about our free tutoring, academic advising, and flexible learning options. You can achieve your dreams and build a brighter future with the proper support.