Almost Done!: A CLC Student Prepares to Earn Her High School Equivalency Credential
5/27/2025 • 6 months ago
Before I started, I was afraid to do it. Now I think I was crazy I didn’t start sooner!” exclaims Fatima, a student in the CLC’s High School Equivalency (HSE) Credential Program.
The program helps adult students prepare to take the HiSET or GED test to receive their High School Equivalency (HSE) credential. You can get your high school diploma at any point in life. Having a high school diploma opens many opportunities.
The HiSET has five subject tests: reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Fatima has passed 4 of the 5 HiSET subject tests. “I just have to pass the reading test and then I am done,” she says.
Fatima studied accounting in her home country. Then, she moved to the US, started a family, and was busy with her young children. "A few years ago I started to think about going back to school. At first I thought I couldn't do it, but then I thought about my kids. I wanted to be an example. My 10-year son said, 'Mom, you can do it,' so I decided to sign up [for CLC's HSE Credential Program].”
Fatima joined the HSE Credential Program in fall 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was a lot of work, and I failed some of the tests several times. But, the CLC teachers and tutors are the best. They kept me going. The math and science tests were a lot easier for me. Reading and writing in English is much harder. My tutor helps me a lot with it.”
When she passes her HiSET and earns her HSE Credential, Fatima wants to continue her education and eventually start her own business. "I always wanted to have my own shop. My advice to future students is not be afraid and just do it. I made a great decision coming to the CLC."
Fatima is planning to take her final subject test in June. “If I don’t pass in June, I will just keep studying until I pass!”
Do you want to earn your high school diploma or know someone who does? The HSE Credential Program is recruiting for the 2025-2026 program, starting in September.
Sign up for an information session today!
For more information about the program, visit www.cambridgema.gov/HiSETPrep or contact Ava Kiem at akiem@cambridgema.gov.
Photo Caption: A CLC student writes in a notebook during class.