Erin’s journey has been shaped by courage, love, and the memory of someone very dear to her. When she passed her final GED subject test in Social Studies, our entire GLA team was thrilled to celebrate with her. But there was one person she deeply wished could have been there—her grandfather. He had been her biggest encourager, her best friend, and the one who always urged her to return to school. Erin gave birth to her daughter in 2021 and lost her grandfather exactly one week later. It was an incredibly difficult time: a new baby, no job, and living with her grandmother.
Over time, she took steady steps forward – finding a job in food service and eventually deciding to enroll at GLA. She carried her grandfather with her every day, literally and emotionally, keeping a keychain on her backpack engraved with his photo and the word “Papa.” Her daughter was a toddler by then, and Erin wanted to earn her GED to show her what perseverance looks like.
She was nervous about the GED exams, but after two of her RLA teachers told her she was ready, she took the leap—and passing that first test gave her the confidence she needed. Within six months, she completed all four subjects, holding her “Papa” keychain in her hand each time she tested. Today, her now 4-year-old daughter is fascinated by everything related to school, excited to begin 5K, and inspired by her mother’s example.
Erin’s dedication not only changed her own future—it’s lighting the way for the next generation.
