Alum Spotlight: Susana Medina paved her own educational path to reach her goals
Story by James Hill. Photos by Ric Getter.
Susana Medina is a support specialist with the City of Hillsboro Library.
In 2011, at the age of 20, Susana Medina immigrated to Oregon from Michoacán, Mexico, with her family. Like many immigrants, she faced numerous challenges, including language barriers and limited access to educational and professional opportunities.
Medina, who resides in Beaverton, initially found work in the agricultural sector, as many new immigrants do. But she had dreams of continuing her education. There was one option that stood out to her – Portland Community College.
“When I was interested in continuing my education, I was referred to PCC, and I asked about English courses,” she said.
It was through this inquiry that she discovered the High School Equivalency Program (HEP), which would become a turning point in her life. HEP is a federally funded initiative that has served over 900 students at PCC since its inception. By providing critical support, especially for the migrant and seasonal agricultural worker community, HEP has helped more than 300 students graduate and over 150 students transition into higher education, employment, or military service.
“Given the low educational high school completion of migrant and seasonal farm worker students and continued presence of seasonal workers in plant nurseries and other traditional agricultural industries, these life-changing high school equivalency services will continue to be necessary for individuals and families,” said HEP Manager Beto Espindola.
HEP Manager Beto Espindola was a crucial mentor to Medina during her time in HEP.
Gateway to Education
The program gives individuals who have worked in migrant or seasonal agriculture the opportunity to earn a GED, offering a critical first step toward higher education or better job opportunities. The program’s accessibility – providing free, self-paced classes in Spanish – was particularly appealing to Medina.
“The most important aspect by then was that the courses were in Spanish and the program was free,” she said. “So, I could complete my GED.”
Medina speaks highly of the structure and support provided by HEP, noting that the evening classes allowed her to continue working while pursuing her education.
“The courses were self-paced, which helped me finish them sooner,” she said. “All materials were in Spanish, and we had access to the computers and materials I needed to use to succeed.”
After completing her GED, Medina was encouraged to continue improving her English skills through PCC’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program. The classes not only helped her academically but also opened doors for her professionally.
“The ESOL classes were very important to improve my English skills,” she said. “I could practice my speaking, and I learned strategies to write professionally.”
Medina now serves on the program’s advisory committee and hosts HEP classes at her library.
A Path to Success
With her GED in hand and her English improving, Medina pursued an associate degree in General Studies at PCC, with a concentration in Business Administration.
“Earning my AA (associate in art degree) at Portland Community College opened the door to other kinds of jobs,” Medina said. “Before, I was very limited in the jobs I could perform, like nurseries or agricultural work. After I got my AA, I could transfer to Portland State University to complete a four-year degree in Business Administration with a focus on finance.”
Her academic achievements and growing professional skills led her to her current role as a support specialist at the City of Hillsboro Library. Medina credits PCC not only for providing her with the necessary education but also for teaching her professional skills, such as how to communicate effectively and compose a resume and cover letter.
Espindola said Medina’s story is reflective of what is possible in the program. She was recruited by HEP as a good candidate for the program. She attended her HEP classes while not only honing her English skills, but working full time and being a parent. Despite these hurdles, Medina attained her high school equivalency.
“She possessed the grit and drive, dedication and work ethic required to be successful and pursue her academic goal in life,” Espindola said. “This is possible in HEP.”
Giving Back
Now, as a proud HEP graduate, Medina serves on the program’s advisory committee, where she helps guide the outreach and processes of the program that once helped her. She wants to give back and make a difference in the lives of her fellow immigrants, who experience the same challenges as she did.
“It is a good way for me to be involved with the program that has helped me to succeed in this country,” she said.
In her role as a support specialist, Medina hosts HEP classes at the Hillsboro Library, helping to provide others with the same opportunities she received.
“PCC has played an important role in my professional life,” Medina said. “I cannot imagine where I would be if I wasn’t a student.
“I would like to encourage others to get educated,” she added. “We are here seeking a better future for ourselves and our families, and I think the best way to do it is through education.”
For more information, visit the HEP webpage for enrollment and class details.