“When I started class, I was working in a chicken plant. Although I was happy to have a job, the job proved to be too much. I often worked overtime so I could pay my bills. My health began to decline. I lost weight, energy, and the desire to go to class. It’s hard to concentrate on algebra when you’ve put in a 16-hour shift. Somehow I survived. I got a better job and was able to devote more time to school. My teachers encouraged me every step of the way. One thing I realized while preparing for the GED® test is that I love to learn. The next chapter in my life has already begun. I received a full-tuition scholarship and will soon start welding classes. I have come a long way, and I could never have made it without the help of my teachers.”

“This class means a lot to me. I’m learning to read, and it makes me feel like I’m somebody. Book learning is what I didn’t have, and it made me feel shy and afraid. Now I feel better. I’m going to stay with it as long as this class, and the teachers will put up with me.”