LAWRENCE — Growing up, she knew she wanted more out of life than living in poverty in a housing project.

"I'm not embarrassed about my background," said Awilda Pimentel, 27, of Lawrence. "Growing up in poverty made me see things differently and gave me the incentive I needed to be successful in life."

Pimentel is one step closer to achieving her goal.

On Saturday, Pimentel will receive a certificate in criminal justice and nursing from Northern Essex Community College. In the fall, she begins her studies in the accelerated bachelor and master's degree program at University of Massachusetts at Lowell.

Pimentel dropped out of school at 14 and worked at Greater Lawrence Family Health Center and a mortgage company.

She soon realized education was the key to her future.

"I didn't want just a job — I wanted a career, and felt education was the vehicle to take me where I wanted to go," said Pimentel, mother of Jose Rosario Jr., 3.

She went back to Lawrence High, graduating in 1998. She then had a tough decision to make — leave her job and have no income or go to college.

Pimentel chose the latter, even if it meant being on the brink of homelessness because she had no money to pay rent and other bills.

She said her son is what motivates her.

"I'm doing this for him. I'm paving the way for him so he can see education comes first."

During this trying time, she became a One Family scholar, an organization which helps keep women like Pimentel from becoming homeless by providing financial and emotional support and skills needed to gain financial security.

The opportunity transformed her life. Pimentel enrolled at Northern Essex Community College, where she has been on the dean's list.

Richard Kelley had Pimentel as a student in his alternatives and incarceration class. Pimentel not only came to class well prepared, but was always willing to participate in discussions.

"You can tell she wasn't going to settle for less. She's one of the smartest people I know," said Kelley, an assistant chief in juvenile probation. "She is someone who overcame so much and because of that she wants to do well, and she will."

Niurka Aybar, assistant director for community relations at the college, also has no doubts Pimentel will achieve her goals.

"Her determination and willpower is what drivers her," Aybar said. "There are no obstacles that can keep her down."