Caitlyn began working toward her GED in 2020 at United Ministries, completing three of the four subjects that year. Math remained her biggest challenge, and balancing studying with a full-time restaurant job made reaching her goal even harder.
Along the way, Caitlyn found two people who refused to give up on her: tutors Nicki and Bob Dillon. Even after the United Ministries GED program closed, Bob continued meeting Caitlyn at the library for tutoring. She attempted the Math GED several times without passing, but each setback was met with more encouragement and another study session.
In February, Caitlyn’s persistence finally paid off—she passed Math and earned her GED! When Nicki, who also tutors at Greenville Literacy Association, shared Caitlyn’s story with us, we were honored to welcome her to celebrate alongside GLA’s graduates.
Caitlyn’s advice to other students is to keep going, even when the goal feels impossible. Make a plan, stick with it, and find people who believe in you.
Now expecting her second child, Caitlyn is already looking toward what comes next. Her GED has opened the door to opportunities beyond the restaurant industry, and she is pursuing a position at a local daycare where she can build a new career while keeping her growing family close.