07/21/2026
This Month’s Student Story: Krake's Journey — From HiSET to a Future in Science
When Krake enrolled at Community Literacy Centers, earning a high school equivalency diploma was the first step toward a future she was only beginning to imagine.
Krake had left school after experiencing significant family, health and personal challenges, when her dad, and primary caregiver, went to prison.
Returning to the classroom required her to confront subjects she found difficult—particularly math—and rebuild confidence in her ability to succeed.
At CLC, she found instruction that made learning feel more manageable. Krake credits her teacher, Timi, with explaining concepts clearly and helping her connect math with her interest in science. After approximately two months of classes, Krake took the HiSET exam and passed every section. Finding out she had passed changed how she saw herself:
“It really helped prove to myself that I can do things.”
Her HiSET scores showed that she was college-ready in most subjects, giving her the confidence to enroll at Rose State College. She embraced the opportunity, earning a 4.0 GPA and completing her associate degree.
This fall, Krake will transfer to the University of Arizona, where she plans to study biology and environmental science. She hopes to pursue work that combines scientific research, laboratory experience and time in the field.
Krake’s experience has also given her a deep appreciation for the adults who continue pursuing their education despite difficult circumstances. She remembers classmates of different ages and backgrounds who kept attending, studying and working toward their goals.
“There are a lot of hardworking people who have endured everything, and the program has really changed their lives,” she said. “It changed my life.”
For Krake, access to free high school equivalency instruction did more than help her earn a diploma. It gave her a place to begin—and the confidence to keep going.
For more information on our HiSET classes and other programs, visit www.communityliteracy.com/classes. Read our full newsletters here: www.communityliteracy.com/news
