Aguilar to the rescue for victims of for-profit schools

It has not been easy for Francine Prieto Estrada, 42, of Highland.

Kicked out of home at 15 when she got pregnant, she moved in with her boyfriend, who became her common-law husband of 12 years.

He was shot and killed in a carjacking in 2000, leaving Francine with four children.

What followed was a downward spiral including two more children and a bout with drug addiction until a religious experience in 2007 turned her life around.

She went to adult school to get a diploma, and tried San Bernardino Valley College for over a year, but the financial strain and caring for six children pulled her out of school.

Her last attempt at getting an education was through Everest College, which went out of business in February of 2015, leaving her with minimal education and a heavy student loan.

“I did it because of the way they show it on TV,” Francine said. They say, “Quit procrastinating. You could have a degree in a few months and you’ll have a job.’ That’s a lie.”

Although she got a certificate for her class in medical administrative assistant, she has found no one willing to recognize it. She didn’t even get to march with the graduating class because the school went out of business before the June graduation ceremony.

So Francine was one of those attending a workshop organized by Congressman Pete Aguilar and San Bernardino Valley College on July 11.

“Thank God for Mr. Aguilar,” she says. “I wasn’t ready to deal with all the paperwork. I could drive to LA and meet with a lawyer, but I didn't even have gas money to do that.

“I want a job with benefits so we can get off Medi-Cal, because it’s supposed to be temporary. I don’t want to make a career of it and teach my kids to do that. I want to give back to the community and be a part of the community.

“We’ve had a tragedy in our life, but I’m not going to let that define me. I’m going to dust myself off and keep pushing. I’m not a quitter. I never give up.”

Aguilar has joined in legislation that will give victims like Francine a way out with loan forgiveness, and help with getting another student loan so they can finish their education.

For Francine it won’t be another for-profit trade school. The tuition at Everest was $19,000, and with student aid, she was still on the hook for $5,000.

She plans to enroll at Valley College on Aug. 13.

Her daughter, 15, already is a student in the High School College there and making straight A’s. She will graduate with an AA degree.

It looks like a brighter tomorrow for Francine and her family.