SE Valley Times

Rio Salado College recently held its 31st annual National Adult Education Honor Society (NAEHS) induction ceremony, acknowledging the achievements of adult learners facing educational hurdles. Among this year’s inductees was Jose Alfredo Loya Piria, who overcame significant personal challenges to pursue his education.

Piria was nominated by his instructor, Katrina Parker, who praised his commitment. She stated, "each step he takes is a testament to his commitment to self-improvement and his vision for a brighter future." His dedication to education comes against a backdrop of personal adversity, including supporting his family from the young age of 12 and experiencing the loss of his mother, daughter, and wife. In the face of such hardships, Piria expressed the importance of resilience: “Through all of this, I’ve learned that life isn’t about avoiding struggles. It’s about rising through them. It’s about transforming pain into purpose.”

Despite the struggles, Piria’s educational journey continued. He earned two National Retail Federation certificates and saw significant academic improvement, something Parker noted in her testimonial: “Jose’s progress is not accidental— it is the result of his consistent effort, willingness to engage with challenging material, and refusal to let setbacks define him.”

Piria, a former resident of El Paso, Texas, who left school at 12, continues to prioritize education. He aims to complete his High School Equivalency diploma at Rio Salado and plans to pursue further studies in electrical training.

Piria acknowledges the impact of his family in motivating him, suggesting his current educational accomplishments are steps toward a vision of a brighter future. He reflects on the determination conveyed by loved ones like his late wife, whose courage in the face of illness inspired him: "She faced her cancer diagnosis with a courage I'll never forget, smiling and telling me, 'It's my time.'"

Piria’s life story is a testament to the challenges often faced by adult learners and the perseverance required to turn such challenges into educational and personal progress.