Maritza Carmona, 47, a mother of four and grandmother of 14, dropped out of school in 1993 in the ninth grade to raise her first son. Though she always intended to finish her education, she realized later that earning her GED was essential to move forward. It wasn’t until her youngest child turned 21 last year that Carmona decided to focus on her own goals. 

She enrolled in GED classes at the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) while simultaneously working as a DoorDash driver. Balancing work and study, Carmona turned her car into a mobile classroom. 

“I did my homework between deliveries, with books on my lap, working on math or reading while waiting for the next order,” said Carmona. “I worked long hours, sometimes from 7 a.m. until 10 or 11 p.m., but it was worth it to stay in class.”

Throughout this process, Carmona’s teachers and fellow students provided critical support. 

“I had two great teachers who encouraged me to keep going,” she said. “They helped me believe in myself, even when I doubted my ability.”

Carmona’s path wasn’t without challenges. She encountered difficulties with some of her classes, particularly math. 

“I struggled with the way my teacher explained things. I just couldn’t grasp her method,” said Carmona. 

But she wasn’t the only one. Other students had the same issue, so they started helping each other out. Together with her classmates, Carmona advocated for a slower pace and clearer explanations. 

“I spoke up for the group, and we were able to ask the teacher to slow down and go over things more thoroughly,” said Carmona. “It helped everyone.”

Getting your GED is not just a piece of paper. It’s a key to everything. It opens doors for me and for anyone who is willing to put in the effort, and no one can take that key away from you.

Maritza Carmona, 2024 Adult Education Student of the Year

Despite feeling overwhelmed at times, Carmona kept pushing forward, motivated by the support of her family. 

“My kids kept reminding me that my mom, who had passed away in 2021, was watching over me,” said Carmona. “They told me she would be proud of me.”

After earning her GED, Carmona used funding from Idaho LAUNCH to pursue a phlebotomy certification, which opened more career opportunities. She now works as a Certified Nursing Assistant and phlebotomist at Family Health Services in Jerome, Idaho. Looking ahead, Carmona plans to advance further in the medical field, with aspirations to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Licensed Practical Nurse. She credits her GED as the key that unlocked these opportunities. For her tenacity, perseverance, and advocacy for herself and other students, Carmona was named Idaho’s 2024 Adult Education Student of the Year. 

“On the day I found out, I was feeling down, doubting myself, wondering if I could keep up with everything,” said Carmona. “When I got the message that I was Student of the Year, it brought me to tears. I realized—wow, people are noticing me, even when I didn’t think anyone was paying attention.”

In recognition of her achievement, Carmona was invited to attend Governor Little’s Adult Education and Family Literacy Week proclamation signing on Sept. 20, 2024, in Boise. 

Carmona’s advice to others considering returning to school is simple: Don’t let age or self-doubt hold you back. 

“Age shouldn’t be an excuse to not better yourself,” said Carmona. “Getting your GED is not just a piece of paper. It’s a key to everything. It opens doors for me and for anyone who is willing to put in the effort, and no one can take that key away from you.”