It’s never too late to start again’: UNM-Taos student named adult education ambassador

It's never too late to start again': UNM-Taos student named adult education ambassador

For Ashva Mackley, education wasn't always a source of empowerment. As a child, he struggled with undiagnosed learning disabilities and a school system that didn't know how to support him. Now, at age 54, he's rewriting that story-and helping others do the same.

Mackley, a student at the Taos Education and Career Center (TECC) at UNM-Taos, was recently selected as a student ambassador for the New Mexico Adult Education Association. The honor recognizes his resilience, commitment to lifelong learning, and advocacy for adult education programs that serve individuals facing academic and personal challenges.

Originally from Wickenburg, Ariz. Mackley spent his early years in California before moving to Taos as an adult. He recalls facing significant learning difficulties from a young age-reading and writing upside down and backward-but receiving little understanding or support.

"My third-grade teacher yelled at me constantly and eventually threw me out of class," he said. "I felt like a bag of trash. I decided school wasn't for me."

After years of struggling, Mackley was eventually diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia. Although he was placed in special education programs, he says the turning point came when he met a teacher who read stories aloud with passion and creativity. "The stories came alive. My imagination grew wild," he said.

Still, Mackley dropped out of school and carried those early wounds into adulthood. It wasn't until decades later that he discovered the TECC program at UNM-Taos-an opportunity that, in his words, "changed everything."

"This program has been beneficial for my mental health, self-esteem and confidence," Mackley said. "It has given me a purpose. I've learned it's never too late to start again."

The TECC offers free programs to help adults earn their high school equivalency diploma, improve literacy skills, and prepare for college or career training. For Mackley, it became a lifeline.

He now hopes to use his role as a student ambassador to advocate for adult education, especially for individuals with learning disabilities or mental health struggles.

"I encourage people to try adult education," he said. "We all learn differently. There's no wrong way to learn as long as you're getting there."

UNM-Taos staff say Mackley's message-and his perseverance-make him an ideal representative for the program.

"Ashva is a fantastic communicator, a dedicated student, and a kind-hearted individual with a strong sense of altruism," said Cami Hartman, a student resource navigator at UNM-Taos. "We are proud of his accomplishments and grateful for his contribution to such a meaningful program."

Mackley says his goal is simple: "To be in a better place today than I was yesterday."

And while he can't change the past, he's determined to shape a future filled with growth, learning and advocacy-for himself and for others who have been told they couldn't succeed.

"Without adult education," he said, "I'd be back digging in trash cans for food. This gave me another chance at life."