As we recently celebrated Mother’s Day, we included this inspiring student’s success story to applaud her journey as a Mom and GED Grad!

What was the motivation to pursue your GED?

I have struggled with motivation for as long as I can remember. Challenges scared me, and perseverance was not my thing. However, I believe that God places people in our lives to lead us to greatness.

I was very fortunate that a woman named Lessie Parker entered my life and became my mentor. This woman saw greatness in me before I had seen it in myself. She pushed me to get my high school diploma and an industry-recognized Office Administration credential. After I obtained my high school diploma, a few years later, I started to desire “more” in life. I signed up to attend one of my local colleges and found out that my high school diploma was not accredited. Devastated, I immediately lost hope. Fortunately, an Alamo College advisor encouraged me not to give up, but she recommended that I attend the Adult Education Program at Palo Alto College. At first, I was embarrassed and nervous as I felt I was attempting a goal I could not accomplish. Thankfully, I overcame that fear and signed up that week. 

What are the most rewarding aspects of completing your GED? 

One of the most significant rewards of earning my GED was the personal growth it sparked. For the first time, I confronted my fear of higher education head-on and declared that I would ‘Finish.’ This mindset shift led me to tackle more challenging obstacles and develop a pattern of perseverance. 

How did your GED credential help you pursue further education or job opportunities?

Earning my GED credential once again taught me how to have Faith and tap into a God-given strength to overcome. This strength and new mindset made me want more, knowing I was more than just a GED Recipient. I was destined for greatness, and the veil of endless, unused opportunities was broken when that credential was gained, opening the doors to career and employment opportunities awaiting me.

I started my career in the Alamo Workforce Development through the Texas Workforce Commission with something that couldn’t be earned or learned. I had “experience.” I walked the walk and could now talk the talk. I could relate realistically to serving the demographic of people who didn’t receive a high school credential. I have enjoyed working in the Alamo Workforce Development for eight years and have started my own life coaching and consulting business. I will receive my BA in Behavioral Science Psychology/Life Coaching in 2026 and finish my MA in Psychology as a Licensed Therapist (LPC). 

Please share any advice with current GED learners.
I advise future GED learners always to be honest about where they are mentally. You can want better and greater, but the results will be very discouraging if you aren’t ready to work. It’s not that you can’t accomplish or complete the task. Your mindset hasn’t changed yet. You have to be willing to go against the person you currently are and work towards becoming the person you want to become, as they are always battling against each other. You can overcome so much more than you think. Remember, obtaining your GED credential is one success of many to come. The best is yet to come!