GED Stories

Hi, my name is Sonja Paniagua, and I would like to get my GED. I have been out of school for21 years and working all the time until suddenly I started having feet problems. Now I can’t work. I’ve had two surgeries this year, and now I have a nerve stimulator in my left side with 4 wires in my spine. I had been working in a warehouse for 10 years. Now they won’t let me come back because of my machine. I have 3 children and I would like to show them that you can still get your GED no matter what happens in life. This is the worst Christmas I’ve ever had, so I would like to change and try real hard to get my GED. Both of my parents passed away back to back about 3 years ago, so I’m bored and depressed. I would like to learn at home because I can’t sit for a long period of time, plus the cold bothers my circulation in my feet and legs. I usually don’t bother telling anyone about myself, but I’m willing to learn again. I would also love to get a GED book to study, plus also learn on my computer.

I left school because I really didn’t like school, plus my parents got a divorce, and not too long after that I was 16 years old and pregnant, plus I had to take care of my little sister and brother so my mom could work.

I would love to walk down that aisle and show my kids that you can do it no matter how sick you get in life. And show them even though you’re sick, life goes on. Just keep dreaming, and your dreams can come true. Plus, just because some people discriminate against you, you still have to fight back and show them there’s something out there better in life.

I would love to graduate this year before I get sicker, because I have RSD, and the doctors told me there’s nothing they can do. Eventually I won’t be able to walk. It’s going to get worse, and I would love to prove to them they’re wrong.

Please be kind and give me a chance! I know I’m a slow learner, but I’m willing to learn again.

Sonja Paniagua, 37, Lakeland, FL

From The GED Academy:

Sonja, thank you so much for sharing your story! I’m sure it will inspire many other people like you who have been faced with unexpected adversity. We admire your courage in going to get your GED! And we know you can be successful. May your studies open up new opportunities and joys for you in the new year.

By the way, before you take the GED test, be sure to ask about accommodations for your disability, to make it more comfortable for you. For more information about GED testing accommodations for disabilities, click here.