It’s Never Too Late: Ray Jorgensen’s HSED Journey
When Ray Jorgensen walked across the stage to receive his High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED), it marked far more than the completion of a program. It represented perseverance, determination, and the decision to keep moving forward after nearly 30 years away from the classroom.
At Iowa Lakes Continuing & Professional Education, learning doesn’t stop with age or circumstance. Through the Adult Education & Literacy (AEL) department, the HSED program helps adults and nontraditional students earn their high school credentials while building confidence, academic skills, and momentum toward future goals. During the 2025-2026 academic year, the program has already celebrated 12 completers, with many more students continuing to work toward graduation.
For Ray, the journey was not without challenges. Along the way, he faced health issues and personal obstacles, but he never gave up on the goal of earning his diploma. Throughout the process, he found support and encouragement through Iowa Lakes’ AEL program and instructor Melissa Roper.
“My instructor always had a positive attitude and was there whenever I needed help—whether it was finding extra study books, coming in to review material, or working through HSED education and practice tests,” said Jorgensen. “Her support made a real difference in my success.”
Roper says Ray’s determination stood out from the beginning.
“Despite medical challenges that prevented him from studying for more than a year, he refused to give up,” said Roper. “He tackled each academic area required while also balancing family responsibilities and schoolwork. His dedication and resilience are a true example of overcoming obstacles to achieve a lifelong goal.” 
That perseverance was celebrated during a special HSED graduation ceremony honoring students who completed the program this year. Melissa Haukap, Director of Continuing & Professional Education, congratulated graduates for the commitment and determination it took to reach this milestone.
“Balancing work schedules, raising families, overcoming setbacks, and managing everyday responsibilities, these students earned every milestone one step at a time,” said Haukap. “Their achievement represents far more than a diploma. It is proof that their past does not define their future and that new opportunities are only just beginning.”
Stories like Ray’s are a reminder that it is never too late to pursue a goal, build new opportunities, and create a different future. At Iowa Lakes, students of all ages continue to prove that when you are ready to take the next step, you can always Find Your IT and Get To IT.