Arturo Cruz is just one of more than 200 students who have received their GED though the continuing education program at Lone Star College-North Harris during the past year. After dropping out of high school more than 25 years ago to provide for his family, Cruz enrolled in GED classes at one of the college’s two satellite centers, LSC-Greenspoint, to pursue the goal that he had set for himself so long ago. 

Cruz, an immigrant from Mexico, arrived in Texas with his family when he was nine. Despite not knowing English, he learned quickly and was thrust into the role of translator for his parents as they sought work.

He progressed through school until the summer before his senior year of high school when he discovered his girlfriend, now wife, was pregnant. Suddenly, his plans to work during the summer and return to school to graduate were replaced with the responsibility of a new family. He left school and went to work for a local manufacturing plant.

“It has always been my desire to return to high school. As my family grew and I began to earn more mone, I was never satisfied with not completing high school,” said Cruz. “In my mind I had not accomplished one of the very important purposes for my family and I coming to Houston,” he added.

With a GED now on his resume, he has accomplished one of his most important goals. His next step will be to become a licensed and certified project manager in the state of Texas and pursue his dream of working as an independent project manager for large companies.

“I hope my life’s challenges serves as an inspiration.  It is never too late, and all goals and dreams are possible when you set your mind to them,” said Cruz

Cruz recently served as the student speaker at the college’s GED graduation ceremony. Since May 2011, more than 200 students have successfully completed the GED test through the LSC-North Harris GED program.

The GED program — first developed to provide returning World War II veterans with an opportunity to earn high school credentials — has served as a bridge to education and employment opportunities for an estimated 15 million since 1942. Today, approximately one in seven high school diplomas issued in the United States each year is a GED diploma.

For more information about the college’s GED program, call the continuing education office at 281.618.5602.

Lone Star College-North Harris is located at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, one-half mile south of FM 1960 East, between Aldine-Westfield and Hardy Roads. For more information about the college, call 281.618.5400 or visit LoneStar.edu/NorthHarris.

With 75,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball and LSC-University Park, five centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.

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