Student Spotlight: How Fidel Turned Setbacks into Success with Smart Schools 

Read time: 5 minutes

Every Smart Schools student has a unique story that leads them to drop out. For Fidel Ramos, a pivotal moment with illicit substances set him on a path that he didn’t intend. After struggling to find career opportunities without a high school diploma, he found Smart Schools and finished what he started.  

Fidel’s story shows that even after expulsion and several years away from school, it is still possible to finish high school.  

Born in Mexico City before moving to Arizona, he experienced a great life in the US. He went to high school, where he made lots of friends and enjoyed hanging out.  

While enjoying his social status, he fell in with the wrong crowd and started engaging in bad habits like drinking and smoking on school grounds. These took him down a path he didn’t expect.  

One day, he experienced an incident on campus where he passed out while partaking of illicit substances. He passed out and was sent to the hospital by ambulance. This incident eventually led to his expulsion from school. Suddenly, his carefree attitude changed, and he no longer looked at school the same way.  

Disheartened and hesitant to return to a traditional classroom, Fidel stepped straight into the workforce. With a steady paycheck coming in, he initially questioned whether finishing school even mattered:  

“I started working, so I figured, hey, why do I need a high school diploma if I’m making money? At this point, I don’t need it.”  

The Wake-Up Call  

While working in a shop, Fidel found perspective through conversations with older colleagues in their 40s and 50s, who encouraged him not to settle or get stuck in his career. The reality hit home two years later when he applied for a new company and was turned down specifically for not having a diploma.  

Knowing he needed a credential to move forward, Fidel asked around for options. A coworker whose wife is a teacher recommended Smart Schools. Fidel called the school, and by the next day, he was fully enrolled and working toward his diploma.  

Reaching the Finish Line  

Through dedicated effort, Fidel graduated as a member of the Class of 2026, a milestone he once thought would never happen.  

• Unlocked Career Opportunities: With his diploma in hand, Fidel now qualifies for the career roles and companies that previously turned him away.  

• Family Pride: Walking across the stage allowed Fidel to share a proud moment with his mother, brothers, and cousin.  

• Personal Growth: Overcoming late nights and past setbacks proved what he is capable of achieving.  

A Moment to Remember for Life  

At the July 2026 graduation ceremony, Fidel stood on the graduation stage and shared his story in front of hundreds of other graduates and their families. He shared how he kept going despite the many times he was tempted to quit.  

“I want to give a big shout out to my mom, my brothers, my cousin. I’m not sure if I nailed it tonight, but thanks to everyone who was there for me. Thanks to all of you guys.”  

In his graduation speech, he told his peers:

“Each of us took a different path to get here, but despite everything, we all share one thing: to finish what we started. Today isn’t just about celebrating our past. It’s a reminder of what we’re capable of.”  

Today, Fidel is ready to reapply at the company he applied to so many years before. Now he has options, and he is no longer “stuck.” His high school diploma is opening up many options.  

Fidel says that, “It’s never too late to graduate.”  Despite the setbacks you might have experienced and all things you’ve been through, there is a path to graduation.  

If you’ve been thinking about going back to school, Smart Schools is an online high school designed for those who need a little help to finish. Contact us today to find out how we’ll support you each step of the way!