What is Your GED^® Journey?

reasons. I’ve been trying homeschooling since August, but it causes so many problems. I want to know if I can go to a school that I used to go to six years ago and see if they will do what’s necessary for me to drop out and enroll in GED classes. Is this possible? I have a lot of problems with the last school I was at. If I had to get my drop out papers from them, then it would never happen. In the last two year, I’ve never officially dropped out. At least I dont think so. Help!

Once I get my GED, I will have what I need to be ready for college. Then I can graduate on time like I always dreamed.

From the GED Academy: We want to encourage you to complete high school if at all possible. Since this isn’t always an option, the GED is your next best step but it would be a good idea to meet with your parents/guardians, mentors and the school to see what options are available to you. If you decide to leave school, you will need to study for your GED and the GED Academy is here to help make that quick and easy for you. Each state regulates the GED test with different guidelines. It looks like you can take the GED Test in Alabama under 18 years of age if you meet the following exception(s):

1. Resident of Alabama
2. Exited an Alabama public school with official documentation from a city/county local education agency verifying that the applicant has withdrawn
3. Present to the GED Examiner™ a notarized letter from a parent/legal guardian that the applicant has permission to be administered the GED® test

There may be different regulations at each testing center, so be sure to speak with the location you would like to test at to make sure you meet all requirements prior to your test date.

Getting your GED is a great thing, but again, it is best to meet with your parents and the school to see what option fits your situation best so you can move on to college. We wish you luck and look forward to hearing what you decide.

However, they both told me the exact same thing: in order for me to enroll, I had to get my GED. I was very afraid that I could not pass the GED test, so I tried to always look for an easy way out. Once I got enrolled in a CNA nursing school. I asked my teacher if, once I completed the program, I could transfer my credits. I was told I couldn’t. A couple of days later, I finally made the decision to get my GED, so I can do more in life. I had to encourage myself to do so.

My mom had encouraged me to get my GED, because she wanted me to achieve my goals. She also told me about a website called March 2 Success, but at the time I didn’t take it seriously. I also have encouraged my two best friends to join me on this journey. They agreed to, since we both graduated from high school with a certificate of completion and both have learning disabilities. We plan on making a difference in our lives thanks to the GED Academy’s help.

I was enrolled in the adult education program for two months, taking GED classes. I was learning everything I needed to know about the GED test and math and on how to write an essay. However, once my teacher left for a full time job somewhere else, everything began to change with our new teacher. I was not learning like I should. She was not a good teacher, and I was not learning anything. I was only going two days out the week. I decided to drop the class and enroll into an online program. Now I study my GED online, so when I go to take my test I will know for certain that I will pass. The biggest problem I face is math and reading. My focus is low due to my learning disability and my ADHD. However, I plan on taking medication to help me concertrate more.

Once I finish my GED I plan on starting at a local community college to work my way up and study theater arts for acting. I want to be an actor once I complete college. That has been my dream from the start.

From the GED Academy: It sounds like you’re really taking charge of your education! You keep trying new things, and when they don’t work, you look for a better solution. That’s the mark of a successful person! Keep it up, and you’ll definitely be able to achieve anything you put your mind to! Good luck, we know you can do it!

life to creating lasting change for those who desire it; Craig has risen to national prominence by delivering a high energy message which tells people how to shake off mediocrity and live up to their greatness. It is a message Craig has learned from his own life and one he is helping others apply to their lives.

Craig is one of the nation’s leading authorities in understanding and stimulating human potential, utilizing powerful delivery and newly emerging insights to teach, inspire and channel people to new levels of achievement. Craig’s personal mission in life is to provide hope to individuals who feel that their current situation is hopeless. Craig travels the country presenting his seminar, “Seize the Moment”. In this seminar he teaches seven powerful principles that, if used appropriately, can be instrumental in facilitating real life change.

Craig endured numerous hardships which he credits for his passion for helping those who are less fortunate. In reviewing the events of his life, Craig realized that his beginning started long before his birth. Craig’s mother was a product of a broken home. She didn’t have a relationship with her biological father. She, a homeless, high school dropout, became a new mother when she gave birth to Craig at age 15. Craig’s mother was physically and emotionally abused. Ultimately, Craig’s mother who was jobless, uneducated and a single parent with three kids turned reluctantly to the public welfare system for help and began receiving food stamps. It is likely that the pressures of being a single parent began to close in on Craig’s mother. She began drinking and using drugs on a daily basis. Her relationships with men throughout my childhood were very toxic.

In elementary school, Craig’s grades began to fall and He began to act out. Craig was involved in a lot of physical altercations with other students which often ended with His suspension. Teachers and counselors became very concerned with Craig’s actions and decided to have him “tested.” Craig ultimately was diagnosed with a learning disability and placed me in special education classes. Due to his difficulties in school Craig repeated the third and fifth grade. Consequently, by the time Craig was in the tenth grade he was two years older than most of his classmates and he still did not hold the necessary skills to write a five sentence paragraph. Overwhelmed, Craig ultimately dropped out of high school, thus continuing the cycle of high school dropouts in his family. Craig’s mother, father, brother and sister all dropped out of high school.

Confused about life, Craig began engaging in dangerous activities that led him to become the victim of a random shooting and caused him to land in jail. Having hit rock bottom, Craig realized change was needed. Craig decided to enroll in the Job Corps career program which allowed him to earn both his G.E.D. and a diploma in retail sales from Job Corps (Prestonsburg, KY). In 1999, following Job Corps, Craig enlisted in the U.S. Army. It was in the military that Craig developed integrity and discipline. Upon completing his time in the service Craig decided to further his education. Despite being encouraged to attend a community college, Craig enrolled in one of the most challenging four year university in his home town. In spite of the educational challenges he faced with a G.E.D, learning disability, and the pressure of failing, three years later, Craig graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Auburn University Montgomery. Craig went on to earn a Master’s degree in Theology and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, both from Faulkner University. Craig will complete His Ph.D. from Auburn University in Human Development and Family Services in the coming years.

From the GED Academy: Craig’s story is an inspiration. Through struggles and seemingly hopeless situations, he dedicated himself to bettering his life, and has succeeded in doing so. Thanks for sharing this story!

family helped you? Yes, I get a lot of help. You know what they say, “you have to want to help yourself before anyone will or can help you”.

What problems have you faced? I’m not good at math, but with some studying and hopefully something extra, I pray I’ll overcome my problems.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? A better life.

Do you have more to your story? I just want everybody out there to keep their heads up and shoot for the stars.

From the GED Academy: It sounds like you have a lot of help and support. Like you say, once you start trying to help yourself, only then can you find help outside of yourself. Your friends and family can’t carry you through, but if you keep studying and working hard, their help and advice will mean more and more. Keep trying, and you’ll make it. Good luck!

it starts with me first.

How have your friends and family helped you? I wake up and hear my kids say that mom going back to school.

What problems have you faced? I didnt think I had time, but where there’s a will there’s a way. I have kept faith and God in my life.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I always wanted to be a nurse. It’s my dream.

From The GED Academy: You’re right, where there’s a will there’s a way. Having faith that you can finish is a big part of being able to do it. Just keep it up, and you’ll have your GED in no time!

older, I can relax and retire. But now, I just play cards with my family all day. My real goal is to live in my own home in a nice, peaceful community. I might like to get into welding or engineering. I’d like to work with planes. Planes, jets, the space station, these are the things that motivate me. So I’m going to work hard and be the best I can be!

From The GED Academy: Welding and engineering are great fields to get into! If you’re interested in planes, you could also look into joining the military. They help pay for school and teach you how to work with planes, both as a pilot and as an engineer. To pass the GED, you’ll need to be able to write a coherent essay. Find some adult education programs on writing and work hard on your spelling, grammar, and syntax. With some good time spent studying, you’ll be able to pass! You’re starting on the right track by posting your thoughts here. Keep at it! And good luck!

helped you? Depression gets in the way. I can lose interest very easily.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? Being in law or nursing would be nice.

From The GED Academy: It’s difficult to study and stay on track when you lose interest in something. Depression and loss of interest are similar. Both of them deal with not looking at the long term benefits of something. When you’re feeling like there’s no point to studying anymore, and you’re bored with it, take some time out and think about all the things you want for your future. Think about the kind of future you want for your kids, and start making plans for them, and for yourself. You’ll redevelop that excitement, and it will be easier to study again. Good luck!

to give up.

What problems have you faced? Not knowing how to read, learning how to on my own, and much more.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? To have a better life. To take care of my kids and myself. To tell others about me and my life, and that through God and with faith, you can do anything.

Do you have more to your story? When I get my GED, then there will be more.

From The GED Academy: Congratulations on learning how to read on your own. It takes a lot of courage and strength to do that. Keep going on that path, and it will surely lead to your GED and a brighter future!

life.

How have your friends and family helped you? Some of my family really want me to do good and get my GED or high school diploma.

What problems have you faced? Well, I have faced a lot in my life dealing with jobs and education.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I am planning on having my own company by doing hair, and I also want to be a nurse. I hope that motivates my child.

supportive.

My husband can’t get a good job. And getting his GED would change that. He wants to go to college and become successful.

college early. I would be going to college either way, so it’s actually not that bad as long as you do the right thing.

Reason for Leaving School: I want to when I turn 16 December 1.

Reason to Get a GED: I wanna go to college after I get my GED. I wanna be an ultrasound tech.

One Thing I Need for My Dreams: To set my mind to it.

From The GED Academy: One thing we’re sure of… people drop out for a lot of reasons, but it never means they’re “stupid.” But The GED Academy never recommends that current high school /students drop out. Sometimes, the extra preparation in the last years of school can help you a lot with college and life. In Alabama, to take the GED when you’re 16, you’ll need your parents’ permission, in a notarized letter, as well a letter confirming that you’ve dropped out of school. So, you’ll need to talk with your parents. Maybe your parents have some good ideas to help you finish school. Try to listen to them, and maybe that will help them listen to your point of view, too. Think about all the reasons you want to drop out, and try to put them in perspective. This is your future, and you want to make the best decision possible.