Ceremony honors achievements of North Dakota adult learners

BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — Fatumo Mohid arrived in the United States about 18 months ago determined to build a new life with her three young children.

A refugee from Somalia, Mohid said she had little formal education or resources at her disposal. She couldn’t drive, so she used to walk to work and school — sometimes in subzero temperatures

In the past year-and-a-half, the Fargo resident has earned her driver’s license, started a job at Amazon and made impressive progress in her English language skills, according to her teacher, Amy Rand. She’s also earned a reputation as a welcoming and supportive presence in her school’s community.

Educators of adult learners came together Thursday to celebrate success stories like Mohid’s at a conference for the North Dakota Association for Lifelong Learners at the Capitol in Bismarck. During the ceremony, Mohid was recognized as the association’s 2025 student of the year.

Rand read prepared remarks from Mohid accepting the award.

“In Somalia, many people believe that a mother with children cannot go to school or succeed,” Mohid said in the speech. “Today, I stand here proudly to say that I proved them wrong.”

North Dakota has 12 adult learning centers across the state. They focus on helping North Dakotans who don’t have a high school diploma, are learning English or lack basic job skills, said Sara Mitzel, state director for adult education at the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.

The goal is to get students ready for the workforce or higher education, Mitzel said.

Xander Ridley, who earned the highest GED score in the state over the past year, poses with his award Sept. 18, 2025, at the North Dakota Capitol in Bismarck. (Photo by Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)

Many students like Mohid must juggle classwork with other responsibilities like family and work, sometimes while lacking reliable transportation, Jennifer Frueh, director of the Adult Learning Center in Fargo.

She said adult educators work hard to help their students navigate their life outside of the classroom.

“It could be talking about housing, health care, parenting — it’s all the things that go into supporting a whole student,” she said.

Mohid said in her speech that she looks forward to strengthening her English skills and to supporting her kids’ bright futures.

“I accept this award, not just for myself, but for every parent out there working tirelessly to create a better future for their children,” she said.

The ceremony also recognized Xander Ridley, originally from Glyndon, Minnesota, who earned the highest GED score in North Dakota over the past year.

He plans to attend Minot State University and eventually become an electrician.

Ridley earned his GED in less than a month. To earn a GED, a student must pass a series of tests lasting more than six hours combined, Frueh noted.

“It’s not an easy feat to obtain the highest GED score,” she said. “The fortitude to get through the testing process itself is a long process.”

North Dakota Monitor reporter Mary Steurer can be reached at msteurer@northdakotamonitor.com.