My former teacher seemed to have a lot more faith in my abilities then I had. He encouraged me to get my General Education Development (GED) certificate (and explained where and how), and said that this alone would open up options for better employment opportunities. He suggested that college might be something I would want to pursue, and that there was student aid to help to pay for college. He said that I should “choose” the career I wanted, instead of having circumstances choose them for me.

That was the inspiration I needed! On my next day off, I went to the local community college (Danville Area Community College) and spoke to an academic counselor who explained the GED program and the career programs the college offered. I was sent to the Student Financial Aid Department and learned that once I had my GED I could apply for student aid to help pay for my college classes. I passed the GED test on my first try!

I continued to pursue my education and was able to work on campus (scheduled around my classes) under the Federal College Work-Study Program. I earned my associate degree, found employment on a part-time basis at the college, and finally secured a full-time position. I continued on with my education and eventually earned my bachelor’s degree through Eastern Illinois University. Having this degree qualified me for a promotion for the opening position of Student Financial Aid Director at Danville Area Community College. I was then fortunate to have the opportunity to earn my master’s degree in Science in Education.

I know I would not have accomplished any of this without my GED and further education. I now have a good salary, a pleasant work environment, and health and retirement benefits. Just as importantly, I was able to set an example for my daughter, who graduated from high school and is raising her two daughters to know and understand how important it is that women be well-educated in order to have choices in their lives. My mother would be very proud and so would my former teacher.