Student Spotlight: Bertha Zuñiga

Coachella Valley Adult School

Bertha Zuñiga is a true example of resilience and persistence. At the age of 44, she enrolled in the High School Independent Studies Program on January 7, 2024. Thanks to the Adult School’s childcare support, she was able to attend classes in person three days a week. Through hard work and determination, Bertha completed the 25 credits she needed to earn her high school diploma. She is now proud to be one of the graduating students this June.

Bertha was born in Colima, Mexico, and immigrated to the United States with her parents when she was only 14 years old. Shortly after arriving, her parents divorced and moved away. Unfortunately, just after finishing her freshman year in high school, she left home with her older boyfriend. Despite becoming a young mother and facing many challenges, Bertha never lost sight of the importance of education. She continued going to school and successfully completed her junior year.

However, during her senior year, life became more complicated. Despite her best efforts, she was forced to leave school just a few months before her graduation ceremony in 1999. Unable to finish, she entered the workforce and raised her son on her own. Over the years, Bertha worked hard and took on responsibility, and while she was blessed to have good jobs without a high school diploma, she realized that in order to advance professionally, she would have to get her high school diploma. 

Today, Bertha is a proud mother of eight, a grandmother, and a wife. She never gave up on her dream of finishing high school. After 27 years, she has achieved that lifelong goal. Her determination is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to move forward, grow, and become the person you’ve always wanted to be.

Bertha now hopes to continue her education and pursue a meaningful career helping others. She serves as an inspiration to her family and to everyone around her.