Father and daughter reach education milestone together

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — Stefanny Ramirez, 20, took the stage at Frederick Community College on July 29 clad in a black robe and cap and wearing what looked like 5-inch nude-colored high heels. She was the student speaker for FCC's adult education graduation ceremony. She smiled as she thanked the program and her teachers for not letting her give up on her dreams. She then had a special thank-you for a fellow graduate sitting just below her.

"Thank you, Dad, for those nights that you helped me understand mathematics better and you stayed up with me, even though you were tired from a long day at work," Stefanny said. "I really appreciate the motivation you gave me and the momentum I needed."

Stefanny's father, Osmar Ramirez, 50, has spent the past two years studying right alongside his daughter. On July 29, they both graduated from FCC's Adult and Community Education Program with their GEDs.

Stefanny and her family left Venezuela in 2016 and immigrated to the United States. They left due to political and economic problems in the country.

Stefanny had graduated from high school in Venezuela, but the diploma did not transfer when she arrived in the U.S.

She wanted to continue her education to have more opportunities and decided to begin by taking English language classes through the adult education program at FCC. She then decided to pursue her GED, but midway she hit a snag. Stefanny started suffering from depression due to being away from family and friends and being in a new country where she didn't know the language.

Stefanny lost her motivation, she said, and when her dad noticed he decided to help get her back on track.

Osmar enrolled in English classes himself and then began taking GED prep courses. He said it was important to him to make sure Stefanny stayed...