Alonda Schock is the new Outreach Specialist at the Manteca Education & Training Center.

She’s forever thankful for the Manteca Adult School, which served as a compass in her educational journey.

At Thursday evening’s commencement ceremony in the Regional Environmental Studies Center – otherwise known as the RESC building, located on the Manteca Unified School District campus – Schock shared her story to about 30 members making up the Class of 2023, along with their families and friends.

It wasn’t too long ago that she received her HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) credential from MUSD.

Schock was some three decades-plus removed from high school – she left midway through her senior year – when she decided to complete her education.

Manteca Adult School counselor Larry Machado noted that the HiSET is the equivalent to a high school diploma more so than a GED.

“It took me awhile but I finally did it,” said Schock, who went on to Delta College and was involved in the DARTE (Directing Adults on the Right TrAC for Employment) program.

In the course of one year and one semester, she went on to earn two Associate in Arts degrees and two certificates at Delta.

Schock is now back where it all started, beginning her new job at the METC in August.

In her departing word to the graduating class, Schock said: “Be bold – continue taking chances on yourself. And tell your story.”

Machado, who has been in education for 33 years, has long enjoyed the graduation at the Manteca Adult School.

“They don’t take (their accomplishments) for granted,” he said, adding that many completed the work while holding down jobs along with providing for their families.

The graduation program consisted of Principal Brad Harrison providing the introductions while welcoming those in attendance.

Schock shared her student testimony and Machado talked about the program.

The teaching staff had the honors of presenting members of the graduating class.