For her, finishing the GED was a deeply personal achievement. She made the choice because she knew it was something she needed to do—not only for herself, but for her son. She wanted to be an example he could look up to. More than a milestone, it was a promise to complete something she had started over a decade ago—a step toward growth, healing, and purpose.
Her journey began with a difficult detour. Just six months before her high school graduation, she moved from North Carolina to South Carolina. At the time, she was a high school student also enrolled in college courses. But upon arriving, she learned that her credits wouldn’t transfer. The disappointment was crushing. She felt defeated and walked away from all she had worked so hard for. Yet deep down, she held onto the hope that one day, she would return to finish what she started—and today, she has.
Her path was far from easy. She became a new mother and faced a series of personal challenges—mentally, physically, and emotionally. She battled addiction and overcame it one day at a time. Each obstacle made her success all the more meaningful.
When she passed the GED, she cried tears of joy, relief, and triumph. She felt a sense of accomplishment and motivation unlike anything she had experienced before. She had proven to herself that the sky truly is the limit. She learned that success doesn’t come easy—it requires persistence, even on the toughest days. She took the same class twice in one day. She studied for two hours every night, even when class wasn’t in session. She was determined to finish strong—and she did.
Now, she is proud to continue her educational journey as a student at Greenville Technical College, where she will study Culinary Arts. After earning her associate degree, she plans to grow her career as a caterer and private chef. These next steps will allow her to expand both personally and professionally as she transforms her passion for food into a thriving business.
