SUCCESS STORIES

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 Adult education has forged my future in so many incredible ways. When I first enrolled almost two years ago, I never would have guessed the high degree of success that I would gain in such a minimal amount of time. I would like to share a brief part of my story to explain how adult education has changed my life.

Twenty years ago, my parents had no choice but to pull me out of high school. At the time, I was going through many personal challenges. I was a very quiet individual, and was not very social with other kids in school due to low self-esteem. So, I did not put up a fight regarding my parents' decision. In fact, I was a bit excited. During this time, I had no idea how this decision would affect the next 20 years of my life.

Without an alternate plan for education from my parents, the advice given to me was to look for a job in my late teens. This meant accepting the fact that I never graduated and to keep that part hidden from others. It was a very hard struggle to find a solid job. My personal challenges seemed to worsen around this time, especially with lack of friendships.  It was a very lonely time.

Luckily, I did happen to find a decent job that would keep me settled for the next 18 years. During my time at work, I would get involved with co-workers just to make friends. These workers didn’t make the greatest personal lifestyle choices. Trying to fit in, I went along with those same choices, taking me down a very negative and self-destructive path. This was my chosen path for many years. After finally pulling myself together, I sought out better influences and moved forward in a much more positive direction.

I learned a lot of lessons during this time and made much better decisions based on my new lifestyle changes. Even though things were moving in such a positive direction for me, I was still going through challenging times. My self-esteem and self-confidence were at the lowest possible point.

Within the next several years of trying to find myself, I had sought many different counselors. One of them especially, gave me the strong advice to go back to school and attain my high school diploma. He predicted that achieving my diploma would grant me the relief of the many mental challenges I dealt with all of my life. He planted the seed in my brain and I was determined to heed his advice. I felt it was time to accomplish what I should have done a long time ago. It was time to go back to high school and find that teenager I once was. It was time to finish it.

My mother knew of this certain adult education center that was close by in my city. They would advertise free HiSET classes. She thought this would be the best choice for me. So, I enrolled immediately. I felt ready. With the fear of not being involved in any studying whatsoever for 20 years, I felt completely hopeless that I could pass any subjects. My self-confidence was very poor. Luckily for me, I had a teacher who believed in me more than I ever would. Even though I felt I had no chance in succeeding, I was determined to try to the best of my ability.

I remained faithful and attended every class each week to study. There were certain days where I struggled severely, especially with math. Math was my biggest obstacle. There were some days I would leave the classes very discouraged and hopeless. Even though I felt this way, that didn’t stop me from attending class. Some days were better than others. Despite feeling like I wasn’t retaining any knowledge; I was actually learning a lot.

After 12 months of attending classes, my teacher felt I was ready to take the HiSET test. I was so full of fear and felt very unprepared.  I don’t think there would ever be a time when I would feel ready. My teacher had enough faith in me to believe that I would pass the test on the first attempt. The confidence that my teacher and all of my advisors at the adult education center had in me, gave me the courage to take the test. I just wish I had the same confidence in myself. I was still very fearful and hopeless. 

Taking the HiSET test was one of the most pressure-filled moments of my life. It’s something that I’ll never forget. I’m happy to say that I passed all five subjects on the first attempt. I was awarded my high school equivalency diploma the week after. The amount of emotion I was feeling was indescribable. It was a lifelong dream come true. Something that I thought was impossible, I'd accomplished. All of my fears vanished. My life was given back to me.

Achieving my diploma granted me my freedom. It broke the chains of fear and low self-esteem. Accomplishing something that I thought was impossible, makes me confident that I can do anything I set my mind to. All you need is courage and determination. Believe that you can when others say you can’t. Follow your dreams and never give up. We are all enough and we all deserve that reward.

I will never forget what the Tri-Town learning center did for me. My teachers and advisors have become a second family. They believed in me when I thought I didn’t stand a chance. Not only did I achieve my high school diploma, but I finally switched careers after 18 long years of settling. I have most definitely upgraded and am currently hitting the big time. All of this - I accomplished in just 18 months' time while attending the adult center. My life has completely changed and it’s unbelievable. It’s also not over yet.  It is only the beginning. I can’t wait to see what else unfolds in my future.

In conclusion, I still can’t believe all that I accomplished. It was all because of getting involved in adult education. It made my lifelong dreams come true and so much more. I am very happy to share my story and hope that it encourages others who are in a similar situation. You are not lost and so broken that you can’t be fixed. Never give up on your dreams. Be strong, brave, and fearless! If I can make the impossible happen, so can you!