Against All Odds
Yesterday was the student achievement recognition day at our Local GED program. This program provides a chance to those dropped out of high school to come back and get a diploma which is equal to High School's diploma. I was at the event because I extensively volunteer with the local GED program teaching math. This is the most prosaic part of it.
When students were asked to take the mike and say what made to come back to GED program. These were some of the reasons they shared.
A middle aged lady said "I lost my job, next time around I want to reduce one reason-- that is not having High School Diploma"
I didn't have a choice a Judge made getting GED a condition for my release, now I am going to college.
I was drifting in life, somehow got GED, and now I am joining the Navy.
I had to take care of my mother from a young age now I have GED, I have enrolled in College to get my Registered Nurse degree.
The themes across experiences of the students that they couldn't complete High School are 1)Family circumstances 2) Parental neglect and 3) Serious violations of law which kept in Juvenile Justice System. Most of the students have put their past behind them are looking towards a bright future, I am sure the path they crossed would have made them strong.
From being expected to fail, to a stage talking about college options, it is a success "Against All Odds"
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