Senator Farley Salutes Rosa Rivera As Outstanding Adult Learner

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C - Schenectady) announced that Rosa Rivera of Amsterdam has been selected as an Outstanding Adult Student award recipient for 2007 by the New York Association of Continuing/Community Education (NYACCE).

Senator Farley recently met with Ms. Rivera at the Legislative Office Building in Albany and congratulated her on her achievements. "What an amazing woman," Senator Farley said. "She had to leave high school to help her parents support her family but never left the love of learning behind."

Ms. Rivera returned to improving her education in 2005 by enrolling in an English as a Second Language class. She then completed the Business Computer Applications class at Hamilton Fulton Montgomery BOCES Career and Technical Center. Feeling more confident about her English skills, she began working on her GED (general education diploma) studies.

Ms. Rivera was nominated for the award by Laurie Bargstedt of HFM BOCES, who was impressed by her success as a student while also juggling family and work responsibilities.

Ms. Rivera is continuing her GED studies and is now also in the Medical Assisting program. Her goal is to become a pediatric doctor.

"Her passion for learning is admirable," Senator Farley said. "She has great focus and drive. We can all learn from Ms. Rivera."

She was honored at a dinner in Albany on March 6th.