Sidrica earned her GED, went to college, and came back to teach in the district where she grew up. Today, she’s paying it forward by mentoring students and volunteering after school so they have the support she knows can change everything. 

At 17, Natosha left school without realizing how that decision would shape her future. Years later, as a working mother, she decided to return to school and earn her GED. She balanced work, family responsibilities, and study time to complete the program. 

For years, Jennifer Joyner built a solid life and career without a GED, but the absence of it quietly weighed on her. No matter how much she accomplished, not having completed her education remained a personal goal of hers. Earning her GED became less about checking a box and more about proving to herself that she could face the one challenge that had always intimidated her.   

Over time, she began to feel stuck in the same line of work, held back by a belief that she wouldn’t be able to pass the GED or continue her education afterward. That self-doubt grew, carrying into other areas of her life and convincing her that if she couldn’t do this, maybe she couldn’t achieve other goals either. “I was afraid that if I failed even once, I wouldn’t give myself the chance to try again and that I would hold myself back from reaching my goals all over again,” Jennifer said.  

With the help of her daughter’s encouragement, she proved that she was capable of anything she set her mind to. At six years old, her daughter became her biggest cheerleader, leaving handwritten notes on her computer that read, “I believe in you.” Those words became a source of strength and motivation whenever she found herself in doubt. “I wanted to prove to myself that I can do anything I put my mind to, and I wanted to show her that too.”  

Her path to the GED was shaped by an unconventional life story. As a child, she struggled with ADD and anxiety. Her mother pulled her out of traditional school to homeschool her, but due to personal challenges, her education eventually came to a halt altogether. Although earning a GED was always part of the plan, she entered the workforce at 17 where she worked at Aeropostale and eventually worked her way into management. As the years passed, it became clear how much not having her GED had limited her growth. With the support of her husband, she made a bold decision; she quit her job and committed fully to studying for her credential.  

Balancing school with family life requires discipline and support. She treated studying like a full-time job, dedicating her hours to learning while her daughter was in school. Her husband played an important role throughout the process, helping to manage responsibilities and helping prepare her by studying with her. That support made it possible for her to stay committed and focused.  

Earning her GED credential boosted her confidence in ways she hadn’t expected and lifted the weight she had carried for years. It reinforced the idea that even when life doesn’t follow the original plan, it’s never too late to accomplish your goals.  

For others considering the GED but feeling unsure, her advice is simple: start with a practice test. Many people are closer to passing than they realize. She credits the GED+ program—especially math—for providing a tailored study plan and access to an advisor who kept her accountable and focused.   

Looking ahead, she’s excited about the future. With her GED complete, she’s stepping into a new role as a patient care coordinator in healthcare. For the first time, she has the steady 8–5 job she always wanted, and a renewed sense of confidence as she continues to grow and see where the future leads. “It’s shown me that even when life doesn’t go as planned, it’s never too late to reach your goals and make changes that can truly change your life.” 

 

 

After immigrating to the U.S. with his daughter, Douglas earned his GED in April 2025 and is now pursuing a nursing degree. His journey is a powerful testament to perseverance, gratitude, and the life-changing impact of educators.

Don’t let fear steer you away from your dreams. You’re never too old, and it’s never too late. Even if you don’t have support, keep going. Once you get there, you’ll see how bright the other side is.

At age 39, Jennifer from Florida accomplished something she once thought was out of reach—earning her GED diploma. Just six months later, her son graduated from high school. Now, Jennifer is preparing to enroll in a nursing course at her local vocational training center. Even more inspiring, thanks to her progress, she is no longer on Medicaid.

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been passionate about technology and helping people. By choosing the Service Delivery Training pathway through the GED Tech Apprenticeship™ program, I could do both.

When things are hard, whether it’s money or family or work, just focus and keep going. It’ll work out, you’ll find a way. Since I immigrated to the US, I felt like doors were shutting in my face, that my dreams would never happen. It made me sad. But I kept studying, improving myself, and networking. I’m glad I didn’t give up because [with the GED] I found a window of opportunity and my career [in tech] is on track now.

I went to take the test feeling confident about my study plan that GED+ provided. That day, I scored higher than all my previous attempts – I finally passed the GED!

Math was the one thing holding me back from getting my GED and lead to the job I wanted. With GED+ I finally got the help I needed to pass.

I wanted to get my GED to advance at work. Granny kept telling me I could do it. My husband, kids and family encouraged me. In the end, my mother and grandmother got their GED as well. All three generations graduated at the same time!

I felt like I’d never get math, but my GED+ Advisor showed me the best tools to use and how much to study so I could understand it. It worked! I finally passed all four subjects of the GED.