In the midst of a steady career as a truck driver, Rafael’s life was changed forever when a severe spine injury left him jobless. Without a high school diploma, he knew there was little gainful work to be found. That’s when he contacted Greenville Literacy Association. Working closely with our program managers while in recovery from his injuries, Rafael worked diligently toward his goal.
Overcoming physical and emotional barriers, Rafael finished his degree in under two years and walked across the stage to receive his diploma at our 2019 graduation.
“GLA gave me a second chance at life,” he says. “I’m no longer dreaming of the future. I’m living the dream.”
These days, Rafael completed a degree in Bachelor of Technology at ECPI University, employed as a Systems Administrator, and is giving back to GLA in a major way as our first GED® graduate who has joined our Board of Directors. He says, “I want people who walk through these doors to see someone who made it. I want to continue to empower people – to give back what I was given.”
We’re so glad to have Rafael as part of the GLA family!
