Pearl graduated from high school in 2005. She was in foster care from infancy until adulthood. By the time she was 26, she was married and had four children. Pearl was unable to work due to childcare costs and with four children she was unable to go to college, especially having to drive 45 minutes each way to attend classes.

Pearl came to the Amador College Connect Center because an online program would work with her situation and because there was scholarship money available for which she qualified. Pearl started college when she was 27 and finished when she was 30. She earned a Certificate in Human Services, a Certificate in Education Studies and her A.A. Degree in Human Services. With her children now all in school she works at Amador County State Preschool.

“Without Amador College Connect and the MHSA scholarship I would not be where I am today. I am at a job where I make more than minimum wage, which is a first for me. I have gained so much knowledge and pushed myself more than I ever thought I could. Walking at Graduation to receive my diploma was the biggest accomplishment of my life besides the birth of my children. For them to see their mom graduate made me the happiest person and I got to show them that hard work pays off!”

 ~ Pearl Flores, MHSA Scholarship Recipient