GED Stories

Jon from Utah

Jon Huntsman dropped out of high school to play keyboards in the band Wizard. Who would have guessed that years later he would become governor of Utah? After earning his GED diploma, Huntsman went to the University of Utah. He became a Mormon missionary in Taiwan for two years, and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. After that, he began his career in politics. Huntsman became U.S. ambassador to Singapore in 1992. He served as governor of Utah from 2005 to 2009, and became ambassador to China in 2009.

Hussein from Maine

Somali refugee Hussein Ahmed came to Lewiston Maine ten years ago. He earned his GED diploma, but didn’t stop there. He went on to earn an associate degree and a bachelor’s from the University of Southern Maine. Ahmed now owns a grocery store and also an interpreter service, and he is studying for his master’s degree. Ahmed told the Bangor Daily News: “All these changes in my life happened right here in Maine. Now I’m part of the work force, I’m an employer.” The GED test was an important stepping stone to higher education and to success.

Maarcella from Montana

I’m native from Montana and would like to get a diploma or GED. I quit school to work to support myself. I want my GED because school these days is very important to me. I also need it for working. These days you have to have a diploma, even just to get a job. Even to wash dishes. I would like a good job so we can afford to go places. (more…)

Ruth Ann from Delaware

Ruth Ann Minner earned her GED in Delaware in 1969. She is a grandmother, a former receptionist, and in 2001, became the 72nd governor of Delaware. Ruth Ann Minner was a widow with three sons when she took the GED test. She was working two jobs to support her family, and the GED test was an important first step in a long journey. She started a political career in 1974, as a representative in Delaware’s congress. She became lieutenant governor of Delaware in 1993, before being elected governor. She served eight years as Delaware’s governor. In her second inaugural address, Minner gave her philosophy: “for Ruth Ann Minner, farmer, gardener and daughter of a sharecropper, it is simply this: Work hard. Do the right thing. And leave things better than you found them.”

Colin from Burlington VT — 18

I got sick when I was in junior high and ended up missing a lot of school. By the time I was 17, I found myself going into my freshman year of high school. I decided the GED might be a better option for me because I was so behind. This way, once I get my GED I can start some online college classes which will work better with the way my life is scheduled now.

My parents have been there for me every step of the way. It’s been hard to keep up with the social aspects of life, but I have a lot of online friends that are always there to support me. My mom especially helps because she believes in me and knows I can still be successful in school even though I’m behind.

I just have a lot of doctor’s appointments and I often end up stuck in the hospital. Online programs really are a good thing for me, because I can work on things when I’m able to. (more…)

Cody

The past several years have gone by in a blur. It seems like yesterday that I was sitting in High School preparing for my next examination, when in reality it’s been nearly five years.

I had it all. I had the intelligence to make it pretty far, I had great teachers, and I had the right group of friends who didn’t hinder my learning experience. One thing I didn’t have though, was motivation and a will to succeed. My goal is to alter that mindset so that I can make a worthwhile living and one day provide for my family.

I woke up every morning with school being the furthest thing from my mind. Though I was in honors and AP classes, I took nothing away from the classroom because I would be thinking about what I’d do when school ended. Rather than coming home and doing my homework, I would sit my backpack down and immediately move onto something that I considered much more worthwhile: playing video games. It wouldn’t be until the next morning when I would see my backpack again. (more…)

Angie from New York, NY — 21

I faced many situations in my life where a diploma was necessary: to get a better job or to start college.

My family supported me all the way with motivation and discipline whenever I was studying for the exam. We all need a little bit of support for this.

I dropped out of high school when I was a junior in high school. my parents divorced when I was little. I was always moving back and forth, so it was hard for me to focus when what I was always thinking was to get used to new places all the time. The credits to graduate also vary from state to state. When I saw that I basically had the amount of credits that a freshman would have when I was preparing for senior year, I was very embarrassed. It discouraged me a lot. I was always the kid that will copy homework off of anyone. The  one that was always behind.

For me to see that most of the stories about GEDs are from people that have overcome incredible situations, such as young pregnancy or any type of situation that would cause them to drop out school… Well, I always thought to myself, “what was my excuse?” Laziness? Lack of interest? All those types of reasons that are not an excuse to give up so easy. When I started to study for my GED, maybe two years ago, I had to face a very hard fact: I was in an abusive relationship with a person who was so controlling.  Even opening a book to study would cause a problem. So I couldnt concentrate. (more…)

Loretta from Brookyn, NY

I work as a PCA, and I want to further my career in the medical field. I need a GED. I’m tired of the low rate jobs I’ve been working for nearly 4 years. I’m still making 8.50. Ugh, I’m sick of this! I need a GED.

Loretta,

Good luck, the rising in medical field is a great goal to have! We know you can do it!

The GED Academy

Sam — 21

I work in fast food. I want a GED so I can one day get a better job, have a place of my own, and be able to pay my bills. My boyfriend has done so much to inspire and encourage me to finally get my GED. He knows that I want to be an LPN, and that I can’t make my dream come true unless I do something about it. I hope that I can get into a college where I can pick and choose what I study, so I never get too bored with one thing. (more…)

Yendy from East Orange, NJ — 30

When I look into my father eyes, I see  how sad he feels to see that his only daughter has yet to  make it in life. My dad is now 66 years old.

The plans I’m making to pass the GED is my secret. No one knows about it. Thanks to God, I’ve been able to have good jobs, however I know for a fact that I need to stop procrastinating and get my GED. I have potential, but as time passes I am starting to see myself in a negative way. My brain is not the same as it used to be. I am so forgetful lately, and I’m ashamed of who I’ve become. I want some peace of mind, and to be able to help humanity. It’s time to reposition myself for a better future. (more…)