Washoe Country School District
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Abel Ruiz's Profile
Spanish Springs Student Overcomes Credit Deficiency for Diploma
Student: Abel Ruiz
School: Spanish Springs
For some students, it takes a little more time to refocus on their curriculum and obtain the credits they need to graduate. Spanish Springs fifth-year student Abel Ruiz is one such student who was able to bounce back from a credit deficiency early on in his high school years.
This month, he graduates after making up for a five-credit deficiency from his freshman and sophomore years.
“At some point, I thought, ‘I need to go to college and get a career,’ ” Abel said. “If I don’t graduate, it’s going to be hard to find a job.”
Abel, 18, said he often had difficulty concentrating in class but eventually realized that to get ahead in life, he would have to work harder and smarter. He went to summer school and attended Washoe High School for a semester to refocus on those classes to recover his credits. Though he played soccer during his first three years in high school, he gave it up by his senior year to make sure he prioritized his school work first.
“The counselors here helped me the most,” Abel said.
Spanish Springs counselor Kristy Smith said Abel, a student receiving English Language Learner services, has shown dedication to making it to graduation by attending Washoe for a brief time.
“I think it’s a good opportunity because sometimes students just need a little time to refocus and finish up,” Smith said. “It can be a lot of extra stress on the student. So rather than playing catch-up, they take a decent load and have some off-campus time to go back over their curriculum. We’re very proud of Abel.”
Abel will attend Truckee Meadows Community College in the fall, with plans to transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno. He said he would like to study to become a member of a Special Weapons and Tactics team in law enforcement.
He said he’s been supported by his family to try for his diploma.
“They want me to graduate,” he said. “They prefer that to me dropping out. I would just tell others to not give up and to do the work. High school’s pretty easy compared to college work, from what I’ve heard.”
