What inspired you to join the military, and which branch did you serve in?
Growing up in New Orleans, Louisiana, I always dreamed of traveling and seeing the world. Many of my family members worked in the construction industry or owned construction businesses, but I wanted a different path. So, I joined the United States Navy, knowing it would allow me to fulfill my goal of exploring. During my eight years of service, I had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Asia and the Pacific. I was stationed in Pearl Harbor initially, then relocated to San Diego, where I finished my naval career. Now, I live in Oceanside with my family.

What led you to enroll in classes at Vista Adult School?
I'm currently seeking new job opportunities, and many of the positions I'm interested in require computer skills, especially in Microsoft Office. I decided to enroll in the beginner Microsoft Office course at Vista Adult School and plan to continue with intermediate and advanced courses to develop these skills further.

​Reflecting on your military service, is there anything you're especially proud of?
Absolutely—I’m proud to have served my country. The Navy gave me numerous opportunities to develop valuable skills and trades, many of which I’ve continued to apply in various roles since leaving the service.

What motivated you to join the military? 
My grandfather was in the U.S. Navy during WW2. I feel a sense of obligation and desire to continue the family legacy. I need to develop my leadership skills, resilience, and confidence.
The military offered me stable employment, training, and career advancement in different fields. I like to travel and see new places. To take advantage of education benefits, like the GI Bill. The military provides a structured environment in which helps me pursue my career and as an individual to develop self-esteem and discipline. It is a personal fulfillment and opportunity. I served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1973-1996.
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What inspired you to come back and pursue your education?
I came back to school for personal growth, personal development, and self-improvement. For me it is a personal challenge, I need to deepen my knowledge and explore new interests, and re-evaluate my education. 

​What advice would you give to other veterans who are thinking about pursuing higher education?
My advice to other veterans who are thinking about pursuing higher education is to take advantage of veteran support services on campus, including counseling, tutoring, and academic advising. Many schools have dedicated offices for veterans. They should familiarize themselves with educational benefits available to veterans like the GI Bill, which can cover tuition and fees. They should join the veteran student organizations or groups on campus. Networking with fellow veterans can provide support and camaraderie as they navigate their academic landscape.

Leslie Flores' life story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of second chances. A Native American who grew up on the San Pasqual Reservation, she has faced more than her fair share of challenges—from fending off a violent dog attack and assisting in the delivery of a baby goat to surviving years of drug addiction. Her journey has been marked by hardship and perseverance, but today, she stands proud as a devoted wife, mother of four, and most recently, a high school graduate.

Leslie's path to graduation was anything but straightforward. She became pregnant as a teenager after dropping out of high school—one of several attempts to finish her education. However, her story is not just another tale of missed opportunities and overcoming adversity. Leslie's journey is unique because it is driven by a profound sense of selflessness and sacrificial love for her family. She willingly postponed her own dreams for more than two decades, believing it was a worthy trade-off for her family's well-being.

It was her husband, Jayson, who encouraged her to prioritize her own goals. With his support, Leslie made the bold decision to leave her job and pursue her passion for working with animals, an interest she had nurtured for years by tending injured animals around the San Pasqual Reservation. With her children growing older, she saw an opportunity to return to school and chase her dream of working in a veterinary clinic.

Leslie found her second, or perhaps fifth, chance through Adult Education—a haven for those seeking new beginnings. As a Native American, she benefited from the support of Tribal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and the resources provided by Two Directions, a community partner of Escondido Adult School in Valley Center, where she ultimately completed her high school diploma. This support allowed Leslie to enroll in an individualized study program that provided her with the guidance and feedback she needed to finally succeed. After just six months, she achieved her goal of graduating high school.

Leslie's story isn't just about her personal battles; it's also about her dedication to others. She has consistently put the needs of her loved ones above her own, even postponing her education and career goals for the greater good of her family. Now, Leslie is eagerly looking into Veterinary Technician schools, excited to transform her "unofficial" experience into a professional career.
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Though it's been a few years since that dog attack, Leslie still bears the scars—reminders of her courage and determination. But like many of the other challenges she has faced, those wounds have healed well. And for those wondering, the baby goat is thriving too.
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Leslie Flores' journey is an inspiring reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of education. For those in adult education and beyond, her story serves as a powerful example of what is possible when determination meets opportunity.

Ruben's impact on Escondido Adult School goes beyond his professional responsibilities. His passion for gardening has transformed the landscape of EAS into a beautiful and serene environment. Thanks to his green thumb and artistic vision, our gardens are flourishing, providing a peaceful and aesthetically pleasing space for our students and staff to enjoy. The beauty of our campus is a testament to Ruben's hard work and dedication, and we are incredibly fortunate to have him on our team. 

Ruben's ability to work well with others is another aspect of his exceptional character. He fosters a collaborative and supportive atmosphere, encouraging teamwork and open communication. His respectful and inclusive approach ensures that everyone feels valued and heard, creating a positive and productive work environment. Ruben's leadership by example and his unwavering support for his colleagues make him a guiding light within our school community. 
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As stated by Superintendent Petersen, Ruben Rebollar embodies the qualities that the EUHSD Lighthouse Award seeks to honor. His tremendous work ethic, willingness to help others, kindness, and exceptional gardening skills have made a significant impact on our school. We are truly fortunate to have Ruben as part of our team, and his contributions have made Escondido Adult School a better place for all.

​Anthony began working with Josh McCrohan to rebuild the math skills he had forgotten since high school. He came to tutoring consistently, and made slow but steady progress. While he built math skills, he decided to continue his momentum by passing the subjects in which he had more confidence. Anthony says that focusing on his goal of joining the Navy kept him going, even when the progress felt slow. Josh helped him learn to chunk the work into manageable pieces, a skill which he will continue to use as he trains for his career.

In the Fall Anthony passed Science, and in early 2025 English. All the while Anthony and Josh had been steadily chipping away at Math, until Anthony finally passed it in plenty of time to graduate and join a Boot Camp this summer. He says he is both relieved and invigorated to have reached this milestone, but he’s already planning for the next steps in his life. He’s so grateful to Josh and the other staff at Ramona Adult School who helped give him the tools to reach his dreams.

Escondido Adult School is excited to announce the return of its highly regarded Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program this fall, offering renewed opportunities for adults seeking to launch or advance their careers in healthcare. As part of this revitalized effort, the school proudly welcomes Christine Vinson, LVN, as the newly appointed CNA instructor.

With over a decade of experience in nursing education and clinical practice, Christine Vinson brings a wealth of knowledge, hands-on expertise, and a passion for student success. She has been an instructor in the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and Nursing Assistant programs at the Health Occupations Center in Santee, California, since 2015. Vinson holds a Designated Subjects Teaching Credential, qualifying her to teach Career Technical Education courses in California, and she has more than five years of direct clinical nursing experience.

In her new role, Vinson will lead Escondido Adult School’s CNA program, which prepares students through a balanced approach of classroom instruction, skills lab practice, and clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities. The program culminates in readiness for the California CNA certification exam, a crucial step toward employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other medical settings.

Under Vinson’s leadership, the program will emphasize both the technical competencies and compassionate care essential to success in the healthcare field. Her instructional approach focuses on real-world applications, clear communication, and patient-centered practices—ensuring students are well-equipped for the challenges and rewards of the profession.
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Enrollment for the fall semester is now open. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the Escondido Adult School website for more information about course schedules, program requirements, and registration details.

When Grissel Rosales de Ocampo started her adult education journey at Vista Adult School, she didn’t know that she would soon be on her path to an associate’s degree. She knew that she wanted to learn, though, and met with a transition advisor at Vista Adult who assessed Grissel’s educational goals and referred her to Palomar College’s Adult Education Counselor, Larry Moyano. Grissel and Larry discussed her options and determined that Grissel would be able to get credit for the classes she was taking at Vista Adult to earn a certificate in bookkeeping at Palomar College. Upon learning about this possibility, Grissel took the next step and became a student at Palomar to continue her studies. Within a very short time, Grissel earned a certificate in bookkeeping and a second certificate in accounting and decided to continue her education even further. Grissel has now almost finished her associates degree with a 3.6 GPA, and she plans on graduating next year. After graduation, she plans on transferring to Cal-State San Marcos. Sharing her experience, Grissel stated that “Larry was tremendously helpful in finding the right path.” She also used the resources of the Tutoring Center to better understand her coursework and get the help she needed in order to excel. As a matter of fact, she wishes she had known earlier that as a student “you are not alone. There is a group of people there to help you with your education.” Grissel has a message for other adult learners: “It takes a village to raise a child but with the student journey, it takes a whole college to raise a student. Sometimes you just have to help yourself and your family. Don’t doubt yourself!”   ​

Professor Wing Cheung is a full-time Geography faculty member in the Earth, Space, and Environmental Sciences Department. He serves as the Program Coordinator for the Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Environmental Studies, as well as Drone Technology programs at Palomar College. His career in Geography and GIS started at the University of California - Los Angeles, where he earned his bachelor’s degrees in History and Geography/Environment Studies in 2005. He then went on to earn his master’s degrees in Public Affairs and Environmental Science at Indiana University - Bloomington. He decided to major in Public Affairs and Environmental Science because he wanted to work in the public sector and inform policymakers on environmental issues. This desire led to his fellowship with the United Nations Environment Programme as a Visiting Scientist, where he conducted research and published on the correlation between climate change and food insecurity in Ethiopia.

After teaching at Palomar College for six years, he decided to take a sabbatical and went back to school to pursue his doctoral degree at the University of California – Irvine in 2013. He worked in an interdisciplinary team of urban planners, civil engineers, and political scientists to deploy GIS and drones to improve flood hazard models. His dissertation, which was completed in 2017, looked at how technological tools (e.g. GIS, drones) as well as local knowledge can be used to validate and enhance flood hazard models. 
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Professor Cheung is a strong advocate of exposing students to real-world problem-solving through service-learning projects and internships. He invites you to stop by the GIS Lab at Palomar College’s San Marcos campus to learn about some of the real-world organizations that his GIS and drone students have helped over the years. You can also learn more about Palomar College’s GIS program at this website: https://www.palomar.edu/gis/