‘More doors open’: Dozens celebrate earning their high school equivalency diplomas at YWCA graduation ceremony

The familiar tune, “Pomp and Circumstance,” played as graduates filed into the room at Trevecca Nazarene University. But the celebration was one-of-a-kind.

The YWCA of Nashville and Middle Tennessee’s Family Learning Center honored 88 students who have passed the High School Equivalency Test, or HiSET, since 2020. The ceremony was belated for many, who had achieved the accomplishment during the pandemic. Saturday’s celebration honored graduates from 2020 through 2023.

The graduates ranged in age from 20 to 77 years old. They came from more than a dozen countries across four continents. More than half the graduates came through the Hispanic Family Foundation, the Family Learning Center’s largest partner. Cade Fleming, the director of adult education and career services for YWCA, said in her commencement address that what connects them all is their tenacity.

“You made the choice to begin, but then you had to keep choosing yourself, your education and your future over and over again,” Fleming said. “And it’s one thing to just begin the journey to getting your diploma, but it’s another thing entirely to finish it.”

Earning this diploma increases students’ chances of qualifying for jobs, earning higher pay and going on to higher education.

Graduates overcame a lot of hurdles to get here. Many have children and busy work schedules to navigate. One of them carried her young child across the stage to accept her certificate.

Alexis Marshall WPLN News

Elsy Motino shows off her HiSET diploma. She began studying during the pandemic and passed the test in 2022. Saturday’s celebration was the first in-person graduation ceremony since 2019.

Elsy Motino said she got her diploma to set an example for her 9-year-old.

“It means a lot — because I’m a single mom,” she said. “And I did this, first, to inspire my son to show him how important education is. And also, you know, it’s going to help me to get more doors open in my future.”

Motino is an entrepreneur. She said she’s looking forward to using her education to continue building her business.

The Family Learning Center offers HiSET classes free of charge in both English and Spanish. Enrollment information can be found here.