What is Your GED^® Journey?

me to move on. They just bring me down, but there is always one person who will motivate me, and that person is my husband. He tells me I can do it. That I’m better than I know, but I choose not to be. He also told me not to worry that I didn’t graduate, because he graduated and he is working in a factory. That it isn’t worth it.

I have faced a lot of family problems, but I have learned to deal with it and to be strong. My goal and hope is to go to college and nursing school, so I can be someone in life. My dream is to have a good job and a settled place for my husband, my kids, and myself. I want to show them that you can achieve anything by trying your best and not giving up.

From the GED Academy: It’s wonderful that your husband is so encouraging! Don’t pay any attention to those who would bring you down. You’ve got a great future ahead of you. Just keep your eyes on your goals, and you’ll be sure to achieve them! Good luck!

GED.

My family and friends have always loved me. They always keep me happy. They told me to shoot for my goals no matter how long it takes.

I should have stayed in school. I had thought school wasn’t for me, but I now I have to do this for myself. I want to be happy.

I’ve always dreamed about being a singer and a dancer. I’ve always wanted to write songs. If I have a kid one day, I want to tell her to finish school an go after her dreams. I want go all over the world.

I want to get GED to make my mother proud of me. I really want see my mother happy. She did everything for me. I also want my own house.

From the GED Academy: Your friends and family are right, shoot for your goals! You’ll get there if you keep trying! Good luck, and let us know when you pass!

over, I signed up for the GED.

My mother motivated me. She understood what was going on. I had three close friends who supported me too, and my best friend was even in the same position. She inspired me.

I had problems on the Math. I recommend that everybody focuses their studies on math. I would usually rent a GED book and stay up for hours or so studying the book. I wouldn’t use a calculator at all. I’d just do it by hand or find other ways to get the answer.

I feel accomplished. This stress that I’ve been holding in is fading. I want to go to a community college, then transfer to a university. I want to beat the education system and show everybody I’m not another statistic. In the future, I want to live comfortably without living from pay check to pay check. I want to show my parents that I made it.

From the GED Academy: Great job on really tackling math! You’re right that people should focus mostly on their weakest subject, instead of avoiding it. By studying math without using a calculator, when you take the test, you’ll be all the more prepared and ready to ace it! It sounds like you’re on the right path. Keep it up, we know you’ll do great!

about my education more then me!! I decided to go to job corps and get away from all. Since it was my education, then it should be my focus, and to do that nothing or no one should stand in my way.

I have been motivated with my own perseverance, against all the odds. My family pushed me to want to do more because they didn’t do enough. That forced me to fly or fall. My family wasn’t there for me. My mother didn’t want to deal with having to choose between her husband and her daughter. My older brothers both dropped out and have not returned to get their education. We moved at least once a year. My father was never there, and my mom was estranged from her family due to shame of what happened within ours. People may or may not change, but that doesn’t mean you can’t. It may be harder for some than others, but anything worth having is worth working for! You can do it! I am almost a graduate with an 8th grade education. Who would have thought? You can do it! It’s not just ability, it’s effort!

Problems have arisen in the form of my family not supporting me, depression, molestation, emotional neglect and abuse. I decided that if I stayed a victim, I could never be the victor. My success was not based only on my supporters, but my Faith in God. Facing my fears keep me from freezing in them. Success isn’t only measured in the rate it is achieved, but the fact you keep trying. The minute you stop trying is the moment you’ve lost, because you can’t accomplish what you don’t attempt.

I am 3 credits away from my A.S., and I’m working on my BSW which will lead to a LCSW. This will seal my future in a world of mayhem and propel my and my family’s success. It will offer them options in the future beyond just surviving it. Having faith in God opens the door to self motivation and fuels determination. Keep going! Your future isn’t determined by your past mistakes or pains you’ve suffered from the hands of others. Your future is determined by what you make of it!

From the GED Academy: It looks like you’ve had a pretty rocky life, but you’ve got a wonderful attitude! A social worker is a wonderful career to strive for, too! Just keep looking toward the future, and keep doing like you have been and you’ll be able to have everything you’ve ever wanted for yourself and your family. Good luck. We know you can do it!

has been language. English is not my first language, so I spent more time translating new words than studying.

I have many goals after I take my GED. I will go to college and find a high paying job.

I’m from Yemen and I speak Arabic. Everything here is very different to me: the people, the language, and the religion. I’ve had to translate almost every word I see to my own language, Arabic. I took classes, and this nice website, passged.com, has helped me a lot. I would like to thank everybody at this website. The teacher, Mr. Williams, and the friendly students in the courses.

Thank you.

From the GED Academy: Living in a culture that is vastly different from your own can be hard! It’s even more difficult when you need to educate yourself in a language you don’t understand. Translating each word as you go is hard and cumbersome, but you’re doing it! Take pride in your accomplishments! We know you’ll be attending college soon. Good luck, and thank you for letting us know how you’re doing!

and they share their opinions with me on how to pass the GED test. I have a social worker who gives me her opinions too about it.

In the end, I hope I can have a good career with my GED diploma. I’d like to get something in business. Then I can get things in my life settled.

From the GED Academy: Good luck with the test! It sounds like you’re talking about it with everyone around you. That’s great! Having lots of support to help you is always a wonderful way to start on your path to getting a GED diploma! We know you can do it!

don’t have a diploma. I dropped out in the 11th grade, but it’s been a long time, and things aren’t making since to me anymore. A lot has happen in my life since then, and I haven’t had any support at all from my family. I’ve had a head injury, and things are just a blur sometimes. I really need help with everything, because I feel like I’ll never understand the material on my own. I’m just trying to hold on.

I hope to receive a bachelor’s degree, or even more. I want my own business so that I can prepare food for people in my own way. What you eat is what makes you who you are. It’s a big part of everyone’s life. I like to make my food special. Even when I’m on the run, I make things differently. I want to make a difference in that way. I even took a culinary arts class, and was getting a B in it!

I’ve been through so much. My story can’t even fit in this space! I’m still holding on though, and it’s hard when you’re disabled and don’t have any money to get started with life. I need someone patient to work with me one on one to help me understand my studies. I swear, I want it so bad. I just wish I had the funds to go on. I know I can do it.

From the GED Academy: Thanks so much for your story! It can be incredibly hard to keep going when you’ve been injured, but you’re still moving toward a brighter future. Be proud of yourself for that!

Getting one on one help would be great! We offer personal tutoring assistance with our own program, or you can find local programs too where you can see if they offer personal tutors. You CAN get the help you need. Just keep trying, and you’ll have your own restaurant in no time! Good luck!

class. I’m also taking a GED class, and need help with the English in it.

From the GED Academy: Becoming a nurse is a great aspiration. Since you speak a second language, that will help you in that field. Taking ESL classes will also help you with your GED. You’re on the right track! Keep going, and good luck!

school. When I was a kid, my childhood was working at the fields with my dad. My three sons have good jobs and earn a lot money. I thought that if they could get their high school diploma, I could too. Why not?

The problems I have faced is that it’s hard to work and attend school at the same time. It is impossible to learn anything when a person is tired. I mostly need help algebra now. I don’t get it.

I hope to be able to handle my own business in my own home. I want to run a daycare. I like to work with kids. I would like to share my knowledge with those who need to know how to write and read in Spanish.

In my spare time, I like to make music, and I often speak in rhyme.

From the GED Academy: A daycare sounds like a great plan! And it’s true that there are a lot of people out there who want to learn how to read and write in Spanish. If you’ve got three sons who have been successful, then you will certainly be too! They can help you figure out some of the stuff you might not understand on your own too, like algebra. Good luck! We know you can do it!

ship. I’d also like to work in a hotel as a restaurant manager.

My friends have been helpful. They explained a lot of things to me, and also told me to go to an adult literacy or ESL class. My biggest problem is that I’m making minimum wage. I want to solve this by getting my GED. After that, it’s my dream to have a better paying job and be able to get U.S. citizenship.

From the GED Academy: Moving to a new country presents a lot of challenges. Your English is pretty good! With some ESL classes, you’ll find it much easier to study for and pass the GED. After that, you can do anything! Managing a restaurant is a great goal. There’s a lot of wonderful culinary programs out there! Good luck. We know you can do it!

for my unborn daughter.

I was really inspired by my mother. I know it sounds cliche, but I wanted a better career. I know I can become anything if I put my mind to it. And now, thanks to passged.com, I passged my GED. It’s definitely a breath of fresh air and a huge monkey off my back!

From the GED Academy: Congratulations! Your daughter is very fortunate to have a father who cares so much for her! Now that you’ve passed the GED test, you truly can obtain anything you set your mind to! We know you’ll go far. Good luck!

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.

From the GED Academy: Thanks for sharing your story! It’s true…times have changed. Many people who quit school years ago to start working have found it harder and harder to find a job…and a good job is almost impossible to find! Without a diploma, even if you can find a job, you’ll likely make less money than people with a high school diploma or GED…and the difference in salaries seems to get larger each year. That’s why the GED is so important…to give everyone a second chance. Getting your GED is pretty simple… you can probably already pass some of the tests. I’d start out by taking a practice test, just to see what the test is like and what you need to study. Then, find a good program or book to study with… it doesn’t have to take a lot of time, just an hour a day. And when you’re ready, just take the test! The official GED test is not given online, only at official testing centers, and many “online diplomas” are fakes, so be cautious about online high school degrees.

making 8.50. Ugh, I’m sick of this! I need a GED.

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

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.

From the GED Academy: That’s great that you have a clear goal. An LPN is a wonderful profession, and there’s a lot of great college courses out there for it! It’s also good that you’re interested in learning about other things once you get to college. Adult learning is about picking the things that interest you, not just following a predefined path like in high school. Always study what you find fascinating, and you’ll be astonished at how much fun it can be! Good luck!

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.

I dropped out of school in the 7th grade, because I was abused by my brother to the point of having my front teeth knocked out. After that, when I went to school, the students all laughed at me. Since that day, I’ve never gone back. My dad never loved me, because I was too dark. He just doesn’t have it in him to give.

From the GED Academy: First of all, there’s no reason to be ashamed of who you’ve become! You are a person who is able to clearly see what you need to make a better life for yourself, and you’re taking action. That’s commendable! We all make good and bad choices in our lives, and those choices help to shape us and make us stronger. We should never be ashamed of those choices, but rather learn from the bad ones we’ve made and always strive to be better. You’re doing that! We applaud you, and wish you the best of luck in getting your GED!

I try my best to encourage and motivate myself. I passed all the areas on the GED test, except for math. I’m having a difficult time getting the information that I need to stick. After I pass, I hope to gain better opportunities as far as work, and the ability to go to school and elevate myself.

From the GED Academy: Math is the the most difficult part of the test for a lot of people! The best thing to do is practice it every day. Learning about algebra one day, then taking a test on it a month later without ever practicing it would be difficult for anyone. Find some time to sit down every day and practice some equations that give you trouble. If practice the things that are hardest for you every day, the test will be a lot easier! Good luck!

Secret, and I realized that anything is possible. We hold our own destiny.

I hope to become a social worker and let people know they can change the world with their thinking. The mind is a powerful thing. All you have to do is believe. With God, all things are possible. Start focusing on the positive, get away from the negative, and begin to see the world for what it really is: Jesus and positive thinking. Abundance, health, wealth, joy, knowledge etc. Your dreams can and will come true.

From the GED Academy: Positive thoughts are helpful in many ways! Just by thinking positively, you’re instantly more motivated to move forward and do what it takes to get what you want. Keep your goals high, and you’ll succeed in no time! Good luck!

before and failed. Now that I have the support in my life, I feel I can achieve anything I put my mind to. My kids have always wanted me to get my GED, and I promised them I would at least try. My 18-year-old daughter is the first of my three kids to graduate. She has a tumor in her brain, and yet she pushes her way through school, has a job, and is getting ready to go to college. My 14-year-old has disabilities as well, and even though she struggles in school, she still passes all of her classes. My fiancé sees the potential that I have inside and tells me how much he would love to see me bring it to the surfice. They all stand behind me in my decision. I had to give up school because I was a teenage mom at 16. I’ve made several attempts to get my GED and have failed. With that in mind, I am so proud of myself for going after my GED with the support of my family and fiancé. Knowing all that, I know I can achieve it.

I have A.D.D., and I have problems comprehending what I read. I have solved my problems by fighting to get a diagnosis. Now I can work on taking care of my disabilty as well as obtaining my GED. I need more free literature on how to prepare myself for the GED test. I also need a teacher to work closely with me--one that I can call upon whenever I need help due to my comprehension issues.

I hope to have my diploma in hands and show every one that has ever doubted me that they were wrong. I want to be able to find a career that I can do out of my home. I want to better my life and make my kids proud. My goal is to practice--like I am now--take the test, and pass. Everyone should be able to have access to the knowledge they need in order to achieve their goals. My dream is have a financial stability for me, my kids, and my fiance.

I would like to thank everyone who has been there for me and supportive of me.

From the GED Academy: It sounds like you’ve raised some great kids! You and your entire family are fighters, and you don’t give up. That’s important! Stay strong, and keep trying. The more you learn about your disability and how to work with it, the easier it will be to study. Remember that not everyone learns the same. Good luck!

11th grade and realized how much my child needed me. Going to school all day, then working all night, I’d never see him. So I decided to quit school and support him the best I could.

In 2005 I found out I was pregnant with my second child. Working at McDonald’s, I just wasn’t earning enough money to support my family. I applied to work a New York state job, which is located in my home town. I began working there, and it definitely helped alot. Then, in 2009, I found out I was pregnant with my third child, who was born in 2010. In 2011 I decided that I needed a higher paying job. To do that, I needed a GED, especially with the rate of everything going up.

I need a better job, and to do better myself for my family and our long term future.

From the GED Academy: It sounds like you have been doing a great job of supporting your family up to this point. You realize when you need to do better, and you go for it! Keep up that patten, and you’ll achieve amazing things! Good luck, we know you can do it!

They’ve encouraged me in many ways.

I applied for the Art Institute of Atlanta in the field of Game Design and Motion Capturing. I hope to receive a good job, and I hope I’m accepted into the Institute.

From the GED Academy: We hope you’re accepted too! It’s great that you’re getting out there and applying yourself. Keep your eye on what you want to do, get the education you need, and you’ll have plenty to occupy yourself with soon enough! Good luck!

I’ve only learned the basics in school. I hope that I can learn things faster than I used to. I want to better myself, to get a better job, and to forward my education. I would love to go to college and become a sign language teacher or a photographer. However, I’m not entirely sure what I want to be.

From the GED Academy: Good job on getting started down the path to getting your GED. Finding new ways to study might help you learn better than you did when you were younger, but don’t get discouraged if it still seems slow going! Some of us just take a longer time to process information. That doesn’t mean we’re less intelligent, though. Not at all! Just keep trying, and you’ll get there!

sign language. I have interpreted for my family all my life. I want my own business for interpreting for the deaf. I’d like to go back to school and receive my bachelor’s degree for this.

From the GED Academy: Interpretation would be a great career, and you have life experience! Getting your GED is a good first step. Good luck!

well as my own. We’ve been homeless and living on social services. I’m dying to get my life back.

I want to help the disabled once I get my GED. I plan to get a job, then move on to college. Knowledge is power, and since I have been avoiding getting my GED, now there are no good jobs for people without a high school diploma or GED. I want to obtain mine, and move on with my life.

From the GED Academy: In today’s economy, more and more people are finding themselves in your position. It’s not always easy to concentrate when you don’t have a stable environment around you to focus in. Studying in a local library would be a good way to find some quiet and a positive atmosphere for learning. Good luck!

not the future I wanted for me and my daughter, so I knew it was time to stop procrastinating and do what’s best for me and my child.

My Mom and Great-Grandmother where the ones to help me the most. My Grandmother would always tell me that she wanted me to go further in life and get my education because she didn’t have a chance to get her’s. I watched my mother struggle to raise me and my two sisters with no help. I used to tell my mother all the time that I wanted to be like her when I grow up and she would always say, “Don’t be like me T’Yanna. Be better than me.”

I had a cousin who I grew up with in the same household. He was more like a brother to me. He was killed in a car crash when I was in the 8th grade. I was devastated, and at that time I cared nothing about school or the people around me. I carried the weight of his death on my shoulders so much that by the time I was in the 11th grade, I dropped out of school. I got a job at McDonald’s and then I got pregnant. I decided it was time for me to go back to school and make a better future for my child, but I wasn’t fully motivated. Another one of my relatives who I also consider a brother was murdered, and at that moment I knew it was time for a change. So instead of me walking around depressed, I decided to spend all my time either studying for my GED or spending time with my daughter. Now at 19 and a mother of two, I have my GED and I’m in college studying to be a legal assistant! It was all in God’s plan.

I want to teach my daugthers and little sisters that it’s not okay to drop out. Yes it’s okay to have a job, but I’m reaching toward having a career. I want my kids to know that anything is possible when you believe and put your mind to it.

From the GED Academy: Congratulations! Thank you for this great story! It sounds like you really overcame some very difficult things to be where you are today. You are an inspiration to other students, and I hope you continue to inspire your peers by example. Good luck with college, and with life! We know you’ll go far!

getting into an LPN program, and studying real hard to pass the national exam.

First I must pass the GED exam. This will allow me to obtain admission to a community college or vocational school. You must have either a high school diploma or a GED to get into the LPN program. Not to mention that passing the GED will give me the confidence, self esteem, and courage I will need to complete my goal.

Second, after I have my GED and have been accepted into the LPN program, studying hard will be a must. The courses for the LPN program are intensive and include the study of anatomy, physiology, psychology, nutrition, obstetrics, pediatrics, biology, chemistry, medical equipment, and first aide.

Lastly, after completing my courses, I must take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination. This is an examination for the licensing of nurses in the United States. Then I will be a LPN.

If I follow my plan as it is explained above: get my GED, enroll in college, pass my courses, and pass the finale national examanation to get my license, then I will have achieved the one important goal I would like to achieve in the next few years. I will be a LPN and be able to get a job in health care field.

From the GED Academy: You’re doing a FANTASTIC job at getting started with the GED. You have laid out a crystal clear path to achieve your goals. You can never be too detailed in your plan for the future, and you’re off to a great start! Studying for the GED will certainly be great practice for future education. If you get started now and develop good habits, all of those LPN courses will be much easier! Good luck!

you? They told me to get my GED now, so I can get a good job.

What problems have you faced? Well, I have not been in school for long time, so I have to read up on a lot of things.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? To get a good paying job. My hopes are to make money and have nice things. I want to make my life better.

From the GED Academy: It’s great that you’re choosing to go back and finish your education! It’s true that you might need to brush up on some things you may have forgotten, but if you find a good preparation class, they can help you start with the basics. Don’t worry, you’ll get it! Good luck!

you? No, I decided to do it on my own.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? Get my GED and go to college, so I can get a degree in nursing and work in a hospital.

From the GED Academy: Getting a GED on your own is a big step to take alone, but it shows that you have the determination to get things done! Keep it up, and you’ll have your GED soon!

.

How have your friends and family helped you? No, they have graduated high school and still ask me how to spell words.

What problems have you faced? I was never really good at advanced math or the structure of the English language. I should have taken my GED while i was in the army. I had to get a 80% or higher on ASVAB to join. I have forgotten to much of what I learned to pass the GED. I took the test five years ago and failed the English and math parts. They sent me to classes but they were a joke in New Orleans. I quit after two months.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I hoped to get my GED so I can train for a new career, but that seems hopeless now. I cant answer five questions on each of the parts of practice tests. On the reading parts, I can’t remember what I read when i get to the end of the paragraph. That is why I can’t compare which sentence fits best because I cant remember what I read. I am not mentally in the same category as a disconnect notice from power company.

From the GED Academy: First of all, you CAN pass the GED! If you’re having troubles, you just haven’t figured out what works for you yet. You do need to find some preparation courses before you take the test. Even someone who aced high school would likely have forgotten a lot of what they learned by their 40´s. Look for an online option if local schools aren’t working.

The GED Academy is a great choice because it helps you understand how to take the test too. For instance, you should read the question in the Reading test before reading the passage, so you know what to look for. If there’s five questions, you should read all five a few times before reading the passage. And grammar and math is just a matter of memorization. Again, if you take some preparation courses and go over the materials you’re not sure on a few times a night, you’ll find the GED a lot easier!

good example for them now, they will complete school with no problem.

How have your friends and family helped you? The always tell me I can do it. I just need the opportunity. Recently, I moved to a place that’s unlike where I’m from. I know I will become successful here.

What problems have you faced? I have problems with math, but I’m doing okay. As I study more, it is no longer a problem, so I feel I will do fine.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I want to become an RN for trauma patients. I know that it would make me more confident in life. I have to do it for my family and for all the people who said I couldn’t.

Do you have more to your story? I wish to make it by 2014.

From The GED Academy: Math can be difficult, but if you give yourself time to study, then you can learn it and pass the test. Setting a deadline like 2014 is great. Don’t rush yourself, but don’t let the studying pile up by procrastinating. Study for 20 minutes or so a day, and you’ll do fine. Good luck!

that affected my years in school. So I was forced to get a GED by court order. Now I’m hoping that this might work, so I can be a very successful person.

How have your friends and family helped you? My mother supports me by telling me not to give up and to try my best.

What problems have you faced? I am hoping to get a job any time now. I will face everyone that has made me feel bad about myself just to put me down. I believe everyone can do it no matter what.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? Right now, I’m not sure about what I would like to become, but my goals are to go to college and get a degree.

From The GED Academy: Moving around makes finishing high school very difficult! Don’t feel bad about having dropped out. You’re still young, and you’ve got time. Just make sure to study the areas you struggle in and find out what works for you. If something isn’t working, change your approach. You’ll find a study method that works for you and have your GED in no time. Good luck!

family and our future. I realized that I needed the tools to get a GED, so I can motivated my kids.

How have your friends and family helped you? They give me courage and strength. Especially my fiance. She told me to grow up and be a father, to be responsible.

What problems have you faced? Financial Issues. I need to find my dream job. I was working in a factory for five years, but it seemed like a dead end. So, I decided to do something diffrent this year. I really dont know if I can afford to pay for classes. I’m a stay at home parent, and I’m willing to try everything I can to succeed.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I’m hoping for a brighter future for my kids. I hope for for the American dream that everyone wants. My goals is a dream home for my family, a dream job so nobody have to worry about money, and a dream wife. I’m hoping for this year to be the best year of my life.

Do you have more to your story? I’m 34 years old, I have three kids and no GED or high school diploma. I quit school maybe 20 years ago. I’ve had problems with the law in the past because of drinking and driving. I decided to stop drinking and take care my responsibilities. I have served 40 days in jail and 90 days in the treatment. I’m also going to a substance abuse class once a week and also attempting A.A. meetings.

From The GED Academy: That’s wonderful that you’re trying to stop drinking. Getting a good education and high paying job is hard enough. Alcohol only makes our problems harder! Keep your eyes on your goals: your dream house and job, and you can do it! Good luck!

a job where I can make more than minimum wage, but it requires a degree or a high school diploma . I decided that if I am going to make it, I have to get my diploma.

How have your friends and family helped you? Both my friends and family support me 100% . My brother is always telling me not to talk about it, just go out and do it.

What problems have you faced? I am 42 years old and not getting any younger. With the change in our economy, it has definitely made an impact on my finances. I need a change of career, but without a GED I can’t get the education or job I want.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I hope to gain financial stability. I want to get into the medical field. My dreams are to one day be able to work in a doctor’s office or hospice, or to be able to help someone who is dying. We will always need doctors and nurses. I don’t know where this road will take me, but one day I will look back and say I did it.

Do you have more to your story? I got married the summer before the last year of high school. In order to make it easier for my relationship with my husband, I quit and went to night school. I didn’t finish it, though . After my first child was born, I decided to go to college. It was a chance to get my GED and a degree in Accounting . This too failed because I became pregnant with my second child. I decided that, if I was going to be a stay home at mom, I was going to work from home. I went to beauty school where I got my cosmetology license.

From the GED Academy: It sounds like you have a good foundation for getting your GED. You have lots of support and have already succeeded in getting your cosmetology license. Working with people all this time as a hairstylist sounds like a good stepping stone for getting into the medical industry. You know how to work with clients and understand what it is they need. Like your brother says, it’s best to get going, rather than talk about it. Take a practice test, see how you do, study on your problem areas, then take the test and you’re on your way! Good luck!

to school. I want kids. I want it all, but I can’t have it. So many people tell me that I can’t do it. I will show them I can!

How have your friends and family helped you? My family hasn’t. I moved to 7 different high schools while in foster care. My father got custody of me at 16. Half way through my senior year he made me drop out to take care of my 5-year-old sister while he worked. It was the worst day of my life.

What problems have you faced? I can’t get a job. The rest of the family sees me as a failure. I need my GED and to make it in the world.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I want a life for me and my husband. I want it all.

From The GED Academy: It can be very rough when you’re young and have little or no say over what happens to you. Now that you’re older and married, you’re taking control of your life. That’s great! With a little studying, you should be on your way! Good luck!

you? They believe in me and support me.

What problems have you faced? Discipline and goal setting.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? To become a great chef!

From The GED Academy: Having such a clear goal in mind is the best way to get yourself ahead! Keep your thoughts on your goal. Make step by step plans on how you’re going to become a great chef, and then do it! Having a supportive family and friends is great. Don’t be afraid to ask them for help if you need it. Good luck, and let us know when you pass!

and they tell me not to give up.

What problems have you faced? I don’t have a job or money.

From The GED Academy: You can prove to people that you can do it! Your friends have faith in you. Let that give you the encouragement that you need to keep going. Good luck!

and family helped you? No, but my teacher has!

What problems have you faced? I’ve been in foster care for four years. Before I got settled in my last home, I bounced around on the streets, going from friend’s house to friend’s house. I never had to go home because my mom was abusive and a bad drug head. I drank all the time and used beer to solve my problems and cover up my pain!

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I want to go to college and become a vet, nurse, or study the stars! I keep changing what i want to be.

From The GED Academy: It’s okay to not be sure what you want for the future right now. As long as you have a few ideas in mind, you can always try different classes in college in each subject that interests you. If, after a semester of that class, you’re bored with it, you know that career path probably isn’t for you. Eventually you’ll find something that really interests you and that you can’t imagine yourself doing without! You’re on a great start right now in getting your GED. Keep thinking ahead and you’ll be sure to do anything you set your mind to. Good luck!

and telling me to never give up.

What problems have you faced? I have taken all my GED exams and passed all but one: math. I’ve taken it 8 times in the past 3 years, and I don’t know what to do. I have taken classes and studied in every way.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I hope to continue my education and find employment. I’m not getting any younger.

Do you have more to your story? I never wanted to drop out. I just wanted to graduate sooner, so I went to job corps. That didnt work out. Now I’m stuck with no education or employment. I’m embarrassed of how many times ive taken the ged math and still can’t pass it. I just feel like giving up. I even went and tried the EOP program to get my highschool diploma. With my luck, I went for a year, then the program was taken out the school.

From The GED Academy: It sounds like you’re really trying hard and continuing to hit road blocks! If you’ve taken classes and are still struggling, then you need to find someone to talk to one-on-one. Math is a big subject, and you need to find out exactly what about Math is tripping you up. Taking practice tests are a good way to see what problems you missed and study those types of problems specifically. I’d stop thinking of it in terms of, “I have a problem with math” though, and start thinking about exactly what the issue is. Do you have a problem with fractions? Word Problems? Algebra? Start there, and hold off on taking the math test again until you’re confident you can pass.

make my life better for my son.

How have your friends and family helped you? They are pushing me, and are being very very helpful.

What problems have you faced? I need help getting my GED, so I can make a better life for me and my son.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I hope to have a successful job and a home of my own. I want to make sure my son is well taking care of.

Do you have more to your story? I am a teenage mom, and it’s hard right now to take care of my son without a job.

From The GED Academy: Finding time to take care of your son, search for a job, and study for your GED can be difficult! You might want to think about setting a schedule for yourself. It’s hard, but it’s not impossible if you can manage your time well. Good luck!

have a better future for myself!

What problems have you faced? I have problems studying.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? Culinary school!

From The GED Academy: Culinary school sounds like fun! Try and look into different methods of studying if you’re having trouble with your current one. Good luck!

Yes, and I thank them a lot.

What problems have you faced? Dropping out of school.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I want to go to college and study so I can help kids in need and find a job.

From The GED Academy: Having someone sit down with you and help you one on one is the best way to study! Look around your community for GED study programs, at your community college, or simply look around for tutors. There are programs and people who are willing to help, you’ve just got to find them! The GED Academy also allows you to call tutors on the phone and talk with them one on one when you enroll in their program. There’s lots of options! Good luck!

life—not to follow in my foot steps. I grew up spoiled, with everything handed to me. I just feel it’s time to grow up, now that I’m 27. To be more responsible, not just for my kids, but for myself. I seem to never accomplish or finish anything. I just want to make a start by completing and passing the GED test.

How have your friends and family helped you? Well, I’m very secretive. I really don’t talk to friends and family about these things. If I did, I know they would be supportive. I don’t know, it’s just me to keep everything in.

What problems have you faced? Where do I start? Well, first I had my first child at 18 (he’s 9 now). I had to deal with his deadbeat father. Second, I left home rebelliously, which put me and my son in a log of dangerous situations. I became homeless, had relationships with people for over two years, worked at a place I shouldn’t have even been, let alone worked in. I ended up in a long-lasting, abusive relationship, and so much more. However, there was an angel watching over me, because I made it through all of that alive. That’s why I know I can do this and get my GED if I put my mind to it.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I hope to gain pride, completion, and closure. I guess most of all, I want an accomplishment. I always wanted to open a chain of restaurants. That would motivate me to follow my dreams.

Do you have more to your story? I want the best for my kids. Like I mentioned, I was spoiled and given everything. That’s the reason I believe that I’m 27 and still have no GED. I want to give my kids everything. I want to show them that, in life, nothing is really handed to you. I want them to be successful. I want them to know that all their hard work will pay off and get them to their goals. That’s where the real success comes from.

From The GED Academy: You’ve been through a lot! It seems that you’ve only come out of all of it stronger too. It takes strength and understanding of how the world really works to be successful too, and you’ve come to learn that lesson on your own. Keep studying, and you’ll be able to achieve your goals and teach your children the values you hold dear. Good luck!

set and ready to go in my business management classes when I received a call informing me that my diploma wasn’t real. I want a degree in Business Management. That’s my motivation to get my GED. The only test I have left is math.

What problems have you faced? My biggest issue is math. I studied and things didn't really click, so I signed up for a math class. I took the test twice, and I only missed it by thirty points.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? My dream is to become a psychologist and have my own practice. I love and enjoy people, and I love helping others with different types of issues. I’m rather good at it too. Then I’m going for my masters degree to better myself even more.

From The GED Academy: If you’re good at Psychology, then by all means go for it! Double majoring in Psychology and Business Management would be a great way to get started on owning your own practice! For now, if math is giving you trouble, the best thing to do is step back and try and approach it from a new angle. Many people keep trying to understand Math the same way (often by just listening to a teacher and practicing the problems over and over). If it doesn’t work the first time, change your plan of attack. Eventually you’ll find a study method that does click with you, and you’ll pass the math test with flying colors. Good luck!

had any luck. I have two beautiful children living at my fathers house, and a step-daughter living in foster care. I was told by the court that I needed a job and a house in order to bring them home. So after all the job hunting I’ve been doing, I gave up and decided to achieve my GED and finish school.

How have your friends and family helped you? I have tons of friends and family give me tons of inspiration. I even did volunteer work for a local community place. The person in charge of that place really helped by opening my eyes with encouragement and telling me how creative and bright that I ’am—that I shouldn’t be wasting my talent and creativity in a place like that.

What problems have you faced? Right now the biggest challenge is to bring my children home. I need all the help I can get to do that!

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? My dreams are to have a job that I can get creative in, a beautiful home that, even when the children are grown up and gone, they know they can always come home when they need or want to.

From The GED Academy: Keep working, and you’re sure to get there! However, on the road to success, don’t consider anything too small or beneath you. In fact, volunteer work is GREAT for your resume. In today’s economy, a GED will help you a great deal, but having volunteer work on your resume would be almost equally as important. Employers like to see that you’ve got some sort of experience in a work environment. And as far as low-end jobs go, they’re the stepping stones to a greater future. You learn from every decision you make, and every job you work. Remember that, and you’ll always move forward and eventually obtain your every goal.

and family helped you? My cousin is my age, and she was in the same situation. She went out and got her GED diploma.

What problems have you faced? No money and not being able to provide for my son!

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? Being able to have a career instead of just a job; which is two different things!

Do you have more to your story? I grew up with no money, and I dont want to spend the rest of my life depending on other people!

From The GED Academy: You’ve got very high goals! A career is definitely different than just a job, and you can have one, especially with an attitude like yours. Keep it up, and know that nothing is impossible, especially when you have your son to motivate you. Find a good preparation program, study what you need to (if you need to!) and you’ll be on your way. Let us know when you pass!

say I need to get my GED and a good job.

What problems have you faced? I have a hard time doing classwork.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? My husand is sick, and I want my GED to help him and reach my goals.

From The GED Academy: You’re on the right path! Find a good study program, and keep your eyes on your goals and you’ll have your GED in no time. Good luck!

stress.

How have your friends and family helped you? Well, my mom passed when I was twelve, so my sisters, brothers, and most importantly my grandma have become my support system.

What problems have you faced? Lack of good jobs, or just not getting one at all. I can’t further my career or goals. Without a GED, I shorten my education level.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? Getting my GED. I would gain back hope, a career, more education. I would be making my mom proud (rest in peace), my grandma, sisters, brothers, and most importantly myself!

Do you have more to your story? Most people without a diploma or GED give up. They feel like life is over, or they settle for less or only what they have already. Life can get better. They feel like a failure. I know I did, but I learned it’s never to late. You can make it through the hard times. I know I will and I can. Everybody always told me, “Girl you better get your diploma,” but never told me how to. Now I finally figured it out. Thank You!

From The GED Academy: We’re glad you’ve got things figured out now! Often times the hardest part to the GED is simply getting started. Climbing out from the idea that you can’t get anywhere in life is far more difficult than a test! Now all you need to do is take the right steps: find a practice test, see how well you do, focus on your weak points and study. Finding study groups or online help is always helpful. Follow these steps, and you’ll be sure to succeed. Good luck!

family helped you? My family kicked me out and I’m living with friends.

What problems have you faced? Money. It costs money to get my GED and I have no job.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? Confidence and the ability to hold my head up high and tell the world I did it.

Do you have more to your story? I have my one anchor in my life and thats my girlfriend. She is always there for me. I would do anything for her. I use to be an asshole, and that’s the reason I was kicked out of my parents’ house.

From The GED Academy: Getting kicked out of your home is tough. Not only is it difficult physically and financially, but in order to succeed, it’s important to have support. It’s great that you have a girlfriend who can offer you the support you need to get your life on track, but repairing your relationship with your parents is important too. Now that you’re working toward getting your GED, perhaps it’s time to appeal to your family and let them know you’ve changed and that you’re on the right track now. It might be painful to your pride, but you shouldn’t let your pride get in the way of your success. Even if they don’t want you to move back in, or don’t want to help you pay for your GED, knowing that you tried would be a great boost to your self esteem and will help you do what it takes to succeed. Good luck!

hire me. Another reason why I need it is because I want to go to college. No college will accept you without a high school diploma or GED.

How have your friends and family helped you? Well, my friends do not motivate me, but my older sister has supported me so much by telling me that I need to get a GED in order to succeed in the world. She also said I need one to get my dream career. My boyfriend has also helped me by telling me that I should go after the career that I’ve always wanted, so I decide to get my GED to do that.

What problems have you faced? I have problems in science and math. I need help in these two subjects because my dream job has both of these subjects in them. If I don’t get help in these subjects, then I wont know how to get my dream career.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I hope to gain my dream job and some more common sense in all of the subjects. My goal is to try my hardest and to succeed in getting my GED. If I have to I will study my butt off until I understand what I need to know to pass my GED test.

From The GED Academy: What is it about your dream job that appeals to you? If your dream job involves math and science, then perhaps there’s something about math and science that also appeals to you. Think about the ways you would use those two subjects in your career, and apply it to your studies. However, if you can’t find any way to like science or math, then are you certain that a job that involves the two of those subjects would really be good for you? Perhaps it might be good for you to speak with a career counselor and talk about what it is you really want. Getting a GED is great no matter what, but it’s also important that you find out what will make you the happiest, and what will make studying the easiest. Good luck!

I've always wanted.

How have your friends and family helped you? They have motivated me by helping me out with getting my GED.

What problems have you faced? I hope to get a job and get my permit and license. I want to have stuff in life that my parents never had.

From The GED Academy: Keep your eyes on the goal, and you’ll get there for sure. It sounds like your family and fiance are great motivators! When you’re having difficulties, turn to them for help and you’ll be sure to do fine! 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!

Some of my friends went to college, and some have completed all of their education.

What problems have you faced? I’ve basically needed help with everything. I have a hard time time learning.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I hope to one day to open my own business. I want to feel set with my life, and have a really good job with good pay.

Do you have more to your story? Back then, I thought school wasn’t anything. I thought that you can always do something, like get great job without diploma, but now I know that you need an eduacation to actually get somewhere.

From The GED Academy: Learning disabilities can make education hard! But not impossible. Take some time to find out exactly what sort of disability you have. What is it that makes learning the hardest? Do you have difficulties reading? Is it hard to understand a teacher when they lecture? Do pictures help you? Start a list of all the things that help you learn, and all the things that make it harder, and you’ll start to discover what works and what doesn’t. Then you can work on studying in a way that helps, rather than frustrates you. Good luck!

is seven months old). I have been struggling to make ends meet for the past few months. We lost our vehicle to the bank, and yes, we have been through a lot the past few months. I came to realize that I had to get my GED in order to enable me to take college courses that will help me find a better job and a better life for my beloved family.

How have your friends and family helped you? My eldest daughter graduated High School last year, and ever since, she’s been encouraging me to get my GED.

What problems have you faced? I used to drink and do drugs. I quit one year ago, thanks to my eldest daughter who helped me.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I want to provide a better life for my family and encourage other people to do this.

From The GED Academy: That’s wonderful that your daughter has recently graduated! And also that she can be an inspiration and encouragement for you. It always helps to have friends and family who support you. Don’t be afraid to ask your daughter for help studying if you need it. Having just graduated from high school, she is one of the best resources there is! Good luck with your studies, and let us know when you pass!

woman. As I got older, I got wiser about what kind of life style I wanted. Fast food was not in my future. It took me 11 years to finally get the courage to get my GED. I just had faith in myself that I can do it and studied hard. If I would have not found passged I don’t think I would have done it.

How have your friends and family helped you? My family have always said I can do it. But, I guess I just never gave myself enough credit. I used to say I have been out of school too long to go back and graduate. But I always had my family there to tell me it’s never to late. They never gave up on me even when I gave up on myself.

What problems have you faced? Math and Social Studies have always been my worst subjects. I could never understand them. So, I thought for sure there was no way I would ever pass my GED. After studying on passged.com I found out that there’s nothing to it, just understanding how to do critical thinking. My highest score on my GED were these two subjects.

What do you hope to achieve with your GED? Getting my GED has given me a sense of dignity and self confidence. I am already starting to attend college to get my degree in Business Management.

started to homeschool. It was not easy for her, she was the youngest of 3, and my dad was the middle of 3 kids. I loved the outdoors, and every chance I got I was out helping my dad on the farm. I was small for my age and always looking for ways to grow up faster. School came easy for me, but I never felt a real need for it as i always had so much to do. I mean why would I want to sit in my mom’s classroom, crunching numbers, when I could be out getting big like dad? By the age of 12, I was working a full–time job as well as working 40–50 hours on my dad’s farm.

Now you may say this is crazy! Who in their right mind would let a kid work that many hours? Well, before you start jumping to conclusions, let me explain. My Dad is a very successful farmer. Looking back, he never overworked any of us kids. In fact, he tried to make me stay in the house with mom and do my schoolwork. My dad is very laid back, and has a heart of gold. He would do anything for his family. It was I that wanted to work! I was the one who went out looking for a job and took it.

You see, I was trying to get big fast! At age 17, I took a summer job in WA state working for a custom harvesting Co. I worked there for three summers in a row and ended up moving to WA in 08?. I’ve lived there since. I left the harvest crew Jan 1st this past year to go to school and ended up starting my own business (Clean Cuts Inc.) instead. It has been a very good experience for me. After 8 months of owning my own business, I now know without a shadow of a doubt that I need a higher education than 6th grade.

I am a very smart young man with lots of ambition. Everywhere I turn my head, I have a job offer (far more than most of my college friends, who have there master’s). Only I want to be able to get away from farm life! I have lived on my own now for three years in WA. I feel like it’s my home. My family, on the other hand, live in Ohio, so there is a very big pull back East! I don’t have a GED. I only went trough the sixth grade, and feel very polled as to where to even begin. What’s the right school? What’s the best way to start at 22? I have always worked hard, saved my money, and gotten where I wanted to get without any school. I invested all my money in my business, and am unable to get it back out. So am at ground zero? I have no support from my family whatsoever in my endeavor to go to college. They say that I am way too smart to go to school: it’s a waste of time and money. The job I want is in the flight field. Any suggestions? Looking for answers from the wise that’s gone before!

From The GED Academy: You’ve led a very full life for someone who is only 22! You’ve also shown that you are smart. Incredibly smart! To start a business with only a 6th grade education—that takes something they can’t teach in schools. You’ve also got good grammar and writing skills (better than many college students). Because of this, because you’re smart, it may often seem like school is unnecessary. And for the average person, it could be. But the thing about being exceptional is that you won’t be able to settle for anything less than the exceptional for yourself, right?

Getting your GED and going to college afterward will not do for you what it’s done for your college graduate friends. It will do more. It takes a lot of different things to be successful. First, it takes an education. One may be smart, but that won’t stop them from being ignorant. Imagine all of the mistakes you may have made during your years owning a business that you could have simply been taught in a single class session. Many people have come and gone before us, and that’s what an education is all about: starting from where they left off and building upon it.

Second, to become successful, you must have tenacity. You must have an unquenchable thirst for something greater than what you have. It seems like you have this! And so, it’s apparent that if you got your GED—if you went to college and got a degree—you would be a force to be reckoned with. You could have anything you wanted, with no limits. Really, no limits. You could be the CEO of the next Fortune 500 company if you wanted to.

But where to start? That part is not so hard. First, get your GED. You can take online practice tests, or find them in book stores. Take one, and see if you already know enough to pass. If not, study the parts that you don’t know. There are many GED preparation courses out there. We have both a practice test and a prep course online at passged.com.

Once you’ve gotten your GED, find a local college and get answers! Colleges always have staff who can answer all your questions about future goals, financial assistance, etc. Then, once you’re enrolled, use your classes not only to learn, but to find out what you like. What you want to be when you “grow up” so to speak. And don’t just take the classes passively. That’s why many college students graduate with the question, “Was that worth it?” You must be an active learner. Ask questions in class. Get to know your teacher. Networking with teachers and other students is where the real magic happens. As they say, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”

Again, you’ve done a lot with your life in such a short time. Keep it up, and you’re going to do just fine. Good luck! And keep us updated with your story!

friends and family helped you? They won’t let me give up, and they help me with my kids. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know if I could do it.

What problems have you faced? I have faced financial problems. I had to give up a lot of things that I wanted to do with my kids.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? When I finally get my GED, I am going to go to college. I want to get training in something, so I can get a good job. Then I can make a good life for my family.

Do you have more to your story? It has been a challenge to get my GED. There are so many difficulties that I wanted to quit doing it. My kids, family and friends they won’t let me, though. I am glad that I am doing it. It will be worth it in the end. I encourage everybody who needs it to get their GED.

From The GED Academy: It’s great to have clear goals when you’re working hard toward something, like the GED. You say that you want to go to college, which is great, but take it a step farther. Start doing research now about what you want to go to college for. The clearer your goals—the more you can visualize exactly what it is you want—the easier it will be for you to study now and word toward them. Good luck!

worked as a CNA for many years, and the pay is not as good as an LPN. The medical field is what I LOVE, and without my GED, I can’t become an LPN or a nurse. I’ve always been in trouble for the most part of my life — in and out of jail. Becoming a CNA was a start, but I want more for myself. Thats why I considered getting my GED. I’m 40 years old, and you’re never to old make changes to your life.

How have your friends and family helped you? I have no friends or family to keep me motivated. My daughter is the one person who keeps me strong.

What problems have you faced? The problems I’ve faced are financial. I need more money to pay all of my bills.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? What I hope to get from getting my GED is to have what I truly want out of life, and to not look back to the past! I want my daughter to know that what I did was all for her and myself. I want my daughter to know that you can do anything you put your mind too!

Do you have more to your story? No, that’s all! I just want to better myself.

From The GED Academy: You’re definitely on the right track! It takes a lot of hard work to go out and find good jobs when you don’t have a GED, and you’ve been working as a CNA. You’ve also discovered that you love working in the medical field! That’s a lot to discover and do! So, give yourself a lot of credit for that! The next step is a GED and LPN training. If you look at what you’ve already accomplished, you’ll realize that you can absolutely do it! Good luck! Let us know when you pass.

their education is the best thing they can do for their future.

How have your friends and family helped you? My family inspired me by showing me how successful they have become by continuing their education and remaining very persistent in what they do.

What problems have you faced? The problem I have faced in my lifetime is that I’ve not stayed persistent. I’m unfocused. I know that in order to get where you want to go in life, you have to first prepare and set goals. That’s how you get started.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I hope to be able to go to a real college. I hope to start working on becoming an RN, and to establish a process that will just help me become a better person and offer a better life for my family.

Do you have more to your story? No, right now that is all I can come up with. However, I would like to thank whoever took time to read my short story.

From The GED Academy: We’d like to thank you for taking the time to tell us your story! Persistence is tough. When we’re not seeing immediate results, it’s difficult to keep going. But a GED is life changing! It opens up so many doors to you. Keep that in mind, write it down somewhere where you’ll always see it, to keep you motivated. Keep talking to the successful people in your life too. You can do it! Just take it one step at a time, and you’ll get there!

about starting all over. I don’t have anything holding me back but myself.

How have your friends and family helped you? My daughter said, “Mom, we need to get our GED together.”

What problems have you faced? I was more or less falling apart. When I was young, going back to school was the best thing I did, but I was scared. I know that this time, I’ll need a lot of help. This is where it starts.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? To show me that I’m not stupid. I have a long way to go, but I’m ready to try–to make it this time. I’m 54 years old, but you’re never too old to have dreams.

Do you have more to your story? I have all the time in the world to learn something new. My kids are all grown up now. It’s time for myself. Time to do something for me!

From The GED Academy: You’re right, it is time for you! Once the kids are grown up, it’s time to start thinking about what’s best for you! Getting a GED is a great start! It might take a little bit of studying to get yourself there, but it will be worth it in the end! Good luck! We know you can do it!

able to go to school or get the job I want.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? That I can help someone who is going through the same thing, and tell them that they can do it too.

Do you have more to your story? I would just love to feel like I did something (other than not finishing my education).

From The GED Academy: That’s great that you want to help others in your situation! Having help is an important part to moving forward with ANYTHING! Ask your friends and family to help you study. Make a game out of it, so it’s fun for both of you! And when you’ve passed, make sure to come back here and tell us your success story! Good luck!

family helped you? The only person who is motivating me is my daughter and my husband.

What problems have you faced? My biggest problem is that I never finished H.S., but now I’m trying to work hard to get my GED.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I want to go to collage and have a brighter future for myself and my family.

From The GED Academy: Helping your daughter with her homework can also be a great help to you! Teaching someone how to do something is one of the best ways to learn it! Keep at it, and you’ll get your GED soon! Good luck!

best life possible.

How have your friends and family helped you? My fiance has always told me that I have the potential to do anything I put my mind to. That I have that chip in my brain that can absorb and program anything and everything.

What problems have you faced? Not being able to get a good job is the biggest problem I’ve had to face. I knew the first step I had to take was to get my GED, so that I can provide a better future for me and my family.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I hope to gain peace of mind, knowing that I can achieve any goal I choose in life, like having a good career, and being happy with my hopefully soon to be husband and our children.

From The GED Academy: A chip in your brain is a good analogy. Our brains will absorb whatever we feed them. If we feed them good information, they absorb it. If we feed them bad information, like telling ourselves we can’t do it, they absorb that too. Keep telling yourself you can do it. Keep studying! You’ll eventually get back wonderful things!

helped you? Yes, my friend told me that I need to go back to school.

What problems have you faced? I need help in every subject.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I would love to better my life and get a better job.

Do you have more to your story? I want to show my friends and family that I can do it by getting my GED.

From The GED Academy: If you need help, there are lots of programs out there to help re-educate you so that you can pass. Check to see if there are local adult education GED preparation programs, or you can sign up for programs online. Then, with just a little bit of studying each day, you’ll be ready to take the test sooner than you think. Good luck!

became grown.

How have your friends and family helped you? Yes. My fiancé and best friend of 11 years, Leslie, along with her mother, my mother, brothers, sisters, and friends.

What problems have you faced? I had plenty of years to take the GED test, but I was scared that I wouldn’t pass the math portion, and I was too busy making money, travelling, and taking care of my family. Once you start making money and taking care of responibilties, some of us forget about schooling. We see the bills and just want to pay them. We see the vacation and just ant to take one. However, when the money runs out, we have to find a job to make more money. Most of the positions I wanted, I was asked to produce my High School Diploma or GED, and I could not produce it. So I landed on welfare to help get me through the difficult financial times. I also face hardships of being semi-paralysed in a wheelchair, only to be told by doctors that I wouldn’t walk again, but I did walk with the help of God and my children’s mother.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I have accomplished many good things in my life: from becoming a freelance model, music artist, to an author of a national bestselling book titled “G-String Dreams: True Confessions of A Male Exotic Dancer.” I even made appearances on talk shows such as RuPaul, Maury Povich and the former Ricki Lake Show. I want to graduate. I want to wear a cap and gown and frame my GED in my home. I want my children, who are now between the ages of 19 and 12, to see that no matter how old you get, or hard life gets, you don’t give up. I gave up on plenty of things, but I am very close to getting my GED. I scored 400 on the math, 550 on Writing, 490 on Science, 480 Social Studies and 450 Reading. I am determine to keep going. And when I do complete that test, I am coming at the workforce armed and ready. Otherwise, I’ll reopen up my own business again, which was my publishing company Survival First Publishing. Getting a job is still a door that I have to walk through, because I have to face the barriers of my past from getting in trouble with the law some 20 years ago. But I hope by me earning a GED, that door will close.

Do you have more to your story? Getting my GED also for me is the biggest accomplishment I could ever make. I gave up on many things in my life. I have six children and this time; there is no giving up. My new fiance, Leslie, is pushing me to go on, and we want to be married. So I hope I will graduate before we say I DO. It will make a beautiful present.

From The GED Academy: You have had an incredibly full life. Getting a GED is important, but never forget your amazing accomplishments. There are millions of high school graduates who haven’t even attempted half the things you’ve done. It’s easy to brush artistic things off like modelling, music, and writing off as lesser things, but in truth, it takes much more effort and fortitude to put yourself out there as an artist than to simply follow the steps society lays out for us. So, be proud of yourself! And have the confidence that with your GED and life experience, you can conquer the world in ways you never dreamed! No door will be closed to you. Good luck, study a little more on your math, and let us know when you pass!

could have turned out.

How have your friends and family helped you? My two daughters has always eccouraged me to go back to school. They are my source of inspiration. I’ve also got some wonderful friends who are with me all the way.

What problems have you faced? My major problems are the maths and sciences.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I would like to go to college. I want to be a social worker for victims of abuse.

From The GED Academy: Congratulations on the decision to go back to school! It’s a tough decision to make when you’ve been out for a while, and a social worker is a great aspiration! Luckily, to pass the GED, you don’t need to memorize the table of elements or know the molecular formula of sodium chloride. Rather, the science portion of the test gives you information, and asks you to use logic to deduce why things works the way they do. You should take some practice tests to see how you do on the science portion. Math might be a little harder, but if you take it slow and easy, and enroll in a good prep program, you’ll be able to get it. Just keep studying, and let us know when you pass.

asks me if I finished school, and I never answer his question. I don’t want him to have the same fate as me.

How have your friends and family helped you? My mother and grandmother are always inspiring me. They tell me that getting my degree or finishing school will get me somewhere better than where I am now.

What problems have you faced? I faced a lot of problems, like not having a job and not having enough money to get everything my kids need. I won’t be able to solve these problems either until I get my GED.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I hope that I’ll be able to go to college and have a career. I want to show my son that I am someone—that I’m not just staying at home, doing nothing. I hope that by going to college and getting a good job, I will show my husband that I can do better.

Do you have more to your story? I will share more about my life, so that people who have the same problems can see that they can do it to. I dropped out of school when I was in the 8th grade because I was involved in drugs and other things. I thought that even though I was doing this, I could still have a good career, but I was wrong. Instead, I headed down the wrong path. I got married, and I thought that I was never going to need school because he worked. But I started to realize that I was forgetting a lot of things, like math, writing, and I am even forgetting English. So, you see why I am motivated to get my GED.

From The GED Academy: It is easy to forget things like math, writing, and English. When we forget the basics, it’s not only hard to get a good job, but to live our lives to the fullest. Without math, we might not realize that we overpaid at the grocery store. Without good writing and English skills, every day communication can break down. It’s easy to do too if your husband is working and making enough money to pay for the family. Don’t feel bad! These things will come back to you once you start studying. You’ve made the decision to turn your life around, and that’s a great start! Keep focusing on your goals. What career do you want to have? How will you get it? Plan out the specific steps you need to take in order to fufill your dreams, and then focus on each step, one at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way with the confidence that you can do anything you set your mind to! Good luck! And let us know how you’re doing!

two kids. I would like to put them through college. I would have graduated, but I didn’t pass my TAKS test. I missed it by two points. I have waited a long time. I’ve been putting it off to work, but now I would like to get my GED.

How have your friends and family helped you? My family and friends always inspire me, but I put studying for the test off all the time.

What problems have you faced? I have not had any problems. I just want to get a GED so I can become an RN, a criminal investigator, or work in a crime lab.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I hope to get a better job and live life to the fullest.

From The GED Academy: It’s easy to put things off. Every day, you tell yourself, “I’ll just do it tomorrow,” and tomorrow turns into next week, next month, next year. Start telling yourself that you’ll do it today! Start small, and just study for even 5 minutes if that’s what it takes. You can definitely study for 5 minutes TODAY! Then as you see that it’s possible, raise that time up to 10 minutes, 20, minutes, 30 minutes, until you’ve built a habit and are finally studying the amount you want. Good luck!

son.

How have your friends and family helped you? The only one was my dad, but he passed in ’08, when I tried to get my GED for the first time. So, I want to do this for him and my son.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I want to be able to help my son with his schooling, and I want to show my dad that I did it, even though he’s not here anymore. He can still see me, and I want to better my life with a good paying job.

From The GED Academy: Your son is still very young, so don’t feel rushed. Take your time, get enrolled in a good GED prep program, and you’ll have your GED before you know it! Good luck!

friend helped me. He told me that studying for, and passing the GED, is what’s best. It will help my future.

What problems have you faced? I didn’t go to school, because I have a problem with money. So, I’m studying online in order to get my GED.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I hope to pass the GED test so I can move on with my life.

From The GED Academy: Good luck with the GED! It’s a good start toward a brighter future, but it’s only the first step! Education will not make you money instantly or easily. If you plan on going to college, you will still need money. The GED will help you to get a job, and then it will be a long road beyond that. Brush up on your English and take some writing courses. The essay is a big part of the GED and you will need to be able to write a clear, well organized essay to pass. If you study hard, and have patience, you’ll get to that brighter future. Good luck!

future.

How have your friends and family helped you? They thought it was a great idea that I wanted to do something with my life, and not wait until it was too late.

What problems have you faced? I faced feeling like the stupid one all the time. I didn’t understand school when I went, so I just turned to the streets and got myself into trouble all the time. I went down the wrong road.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? Getting my GED will show everyone that I’m not a screw up, and that I made it on my own two feet. I want to go to college so that one day, when I have kids, they will look up to me. So I can take better care of them. I want to work at Sea World, or became a teacher, but any career that pays good money I’m down for.

Do you have more to your story? I’ve just got to say that if I can make it, anyone can.

From The GED Academy: Good luck with getting your GED degree! High school is a challenge for everyone, and then even more so if you’re finding it difficult to understand things! But you have another chance to make something of yourself, and you’re taking it right away! You’re only 18, and you’ve already made this decision, so congratulations, you’re on the right road now! Find a good prep program and brush up on your skills, and you’ll be in college right along with everyone else in no time. You’ll show them all you’ve got what it takes!

aide, and I love my job, but I need to do this for myself.

How have your friends and family helped you? My boyfriend; he’s so smart, and he’s in college now trying to become an accountant. He gives me confidence to do this. He doesn’t even know that I didn’t graduate.

What problems have you faced? I really need help with my math. To be honest, that’s what kept me from getting my degree in the first place.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I want to become a nurse. I’ve always wanted to help people, and be a positive role model for all women in the same situation as I am. I was afraid for a long time—I still am—but I know that I’m only hindering myself from my dreams.

From The GED Academy: That’s great that your boyfriend is a source of inspiration to you! It’s always helpful to spend time around people who are living a lifestyle you want to live. We emulate the people around us, be it a good or bad thing. If he’s also studying to be an accountant, then he should be able to help you with your math! Don’t be afraid to tell him the truth. It’s so much easier to study for the GED test when you have someone to help you. Good luck, and let us know when you become a nurse!

1986.

How have your friends and family helped you? All I have is my mom. She has motivated me. We’ve always been friends.

What problems have you faced? When I have problems, I go running and crying to my mom.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I’ve always wanted to be a police officer.

Do you have more to your story? I’m a black belt in TaeKwonDo.

From The GED Academy: A black belt in TaeKwonDo? That’s impressive! And it shows that you really have what it takes to achieve your dreams! A police officer sounds like it would be a great job for you! As a black belt, you could also possibly get a job helping to instruct other students. Enroll in a good GED prep program to work on your grammar, spelling, and reading, as well as some other subjects you might want to brush up on, and you’ll be on your way. You know you can do it, just keep at it like you did with TaeKwonDo. Good luck!

when I requested my transcripts from the church school that I graduated from back in ’93, they were “unable to find them” (to wit, the school more than likely wasn’t accredited back then, so I have no viable transcripts). That’s when I realized that I needed concrete proof of having finished high school…or, in this case, getting a GED.

How have your friends and family helped you? My friends and family were very supportive when I registered to take the GED test, and have continued to be supportive while I wait on the results. They encouraged me while I was studying, and their belief that I did well on the test has bolstered my own belief in myself that I can take this first step on the way to more learning and earning!

What problems have you faced? Registering for the GED test, as well as buying a study guide weren’t as big a problem as I thought they’d be, but reading over the material I needed to study—especially Math, Social Studies, and Science—gave me a few fits. I studied the best I could, and when it came to the actual test, I believe that my studying paid off. My other concern was the essay that I had to write. While I read voraciously and have a habit of making sure I spell everything I write right, I struggle with writing techniques, such as writing stories and essays. *wry grin* Once again, I did the best I could, and I choose to believe that I did well enough to pass.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? Once I get my GED, I hope to get myself started on an A.A. degree. While I greatly enjoy drawing and art, I don’t know if that’s what I want to do as a career. If I become an animator, a comic book artist, or an illustrator, will it stop being a pleasure and become a burden? Just a regular job? I don’t know, so I’ll start with the basics: first GED, then college, and hopefully along the way I’ll find out what I want to do. I think the fun will be in the journey.

From The GED Academy: There’s nothing wrong with doing what you enjoy for a living! Certainly, it will no longer be quite as fun because you’d have to work for others and do as they say, or because you have deadlines, but think about it this way: if you do something else for eight hours a day, how much time will you have left for your hobbies? Taking art classes in college is a good way to see if you can manage it, especially with the more strict teachers who want it done their way or no way. If your response to that is aggressive or defensive, then you might not want to do art as a career. If you can handle those harsh rules and criticisms, then you’d be just fine doing it as a job.

Good luck, and let us know how you did!

my GED, so I can go to job corps.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I want to be an auto mechanic.

From The GED Academy: Good luck with your GED! An auto mechanic is a great goal. Just keep moving forward, you’re still very young and you’ve got your whole life ahead of you. You’ll have your GED in no time!

me on the right track in getting my GED. When I feel like quitting, they’re right there to give me a helping hand.

What problems have you faced? I have faced lot of problems while trying to get my GED. I solve them by not giving up, and I keep on praying.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I want to be a R.N. or just get a good paying job.

From The GED Academy: Keep on working, you’ll do fine! You’ve got the right idea, don’t give up and keep your eyes on your goals. A nurse is a great goal, but it’s also good you’re open to other possibilities. There’s so many options out there, and once you’ve got your GED, it’s just the beginning. You’ll have so many doors opening for you! Good luck!

my family doesn’t help me. They don’t want anything to do with me because of what I used to do in the past. My ex-girlfriend used to help a lot, but now she’s not talking to me.

What problems have you faced? No problems so far. I just need to find a good website online to study and to take the GED test, so I can find a new job.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? A new life. I dropped out of school in 6th grade, because I was hanging out with bad people. They smoked weed and drank, so I moved in with them because I thought it was fun. Then my ex-girlfriend (back when we were dating) told me that I should stop and think about what I’ve been doing all those years. I even had to go to court with one of the friends I was living with for not going to school all this time. Then all my friends moved away. I said I couldn’t move with them, because I couldn’t live that kind of life anymore. So, I moved in with my mom’s friend who makes me go to school every day. But, I dont see why I should go back to school. I dropped out in the 6th grade, and now I’m in the 10th grade, but I’m too far behind to finish!

Do you have more to your story? I’m hoping to pass the GED test, so I can get a good paying job. Then I can buy a truck, move out, and live on my own. I turn 18 in November. I want to meet new people and maybe find a girlfriend that treats me the way I treat her. But, I don’t know... I’m tired of getting hurt and cheated on. That’s another reason why I dropped out of school. All my ex-girlfriends just keep hurting me. All I want is to pass the GED test and to start a new life.

From The GED Academy: Thanks for keeping us updated! It sounds like life is pretty complicated for you. Last time you wrote us though, you said that your family supported you 100%. What happened? If you’re on the right track now, maybe it might be a good idea to talk to them and let them know you’ve changed. Ask for their help. It’s always difficult to do things on your own. But it also sounds like your mom’s friend who is making you go to school cares about you and your education too.

Often times, when things are difficult, our first thought is to start over. But starting over rarely solves problems. Try to look at the good things in your life. Look for people around you who you can talk to and confide in. Don’t worry about getting another girlfriend right now, you need to focus on your education, your future, and yourself. If you cultivate these things, then the right person will eventually come along. But for now, just work on making the best out of the situation you’re in, and take things one step at a time. You can pass the GED test! You can have a great future! Just take it one step at a time. Good luck!

requires a GED. That’s what made me decide to get my GED.

How have your friends and family helped you? Some of my family has encouraged me to go for it, because they know I can do it.

What problems have you faced? My biggest problem is that there isn’t enough time in the day. When I come home from work in the evening, it’s not easy to go out again for school. Especially because it takes so long to get to school from my house. If I could get help online, it would be a life-saver for me.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? If I get my GED, that would certainly be a dream come true. There is so much that I would like to do, and like I said earlier, everything requires a GED now.

Do you have more to your story? Not now, but I will surely have a lot more after I achieve the GED!

From The GED Academy: It sounds like The GED Academy is perfect for you! We just know that if you study every day, you’ll be passing the GED in no time! You’re right, so much requires a GED these days, and getting one will open up so many doors. It’s great that you’ve got your sights set for something beyond the GED too. Architecture is a great field! Once you’ve passed and expand on your story, come back and let us know! Good luck!

my father, my grandmother, and the rest of my family have helped me.

What problems have you faced? I’ve had a lot of problems, but with God, I’ve been making it through them.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I am a young minister. Once I finish with my ministry, then I’m going back to school.

From The GED Academy: It sounds like you have a lot of support from your family, and if you’re involved in a ministry, you probably get a lot of support from them as well! If you ever find it difficult to study and concentrate, let your family and your church friends know. With their help, you’ll definitely be able to pass. Good luck!

and you can do it! Good luck!

helped you? My son has motivated me, because I don’t want him growing up and not finishing his education like I did.

What problems have you faced? I hope to have a better future for my son, and a wonderful job in nursing.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I’m 22 years old. I have a son that is 1 year and 6 months old. His daddy walked out on us. Now I’m engaged to a wonderful man, and he treats me and my son very good.

From The GED Academy: That’s wonderful that you’ve found someone who is treating you and your son well. It can be very difficult to think about education in an unsupportive environment. Nursing is also a great profession to get into. Good luck! We’re sure you can do it!

it.

What problems have you faced? Not being able to get a good job that I love. I’m going to take my GED and pass it, so then I can go to school.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I hope to get my GED and go to college for business management.

From The GED Academy: You can do it! Business management is a great field to get into. Just keep your eyes on that goal and you’ll have your GED in no time!

from school to school because my parents would always move. I tried going back for my GED several times in the past but didn’t feel like I was accomplishing anything, so I kept dropping out. I’ve had three children since then, and I feel like now is the time for me to continue my education. This time, I’ll graduate. I am a stay-at-home mom right now, but only until my 10-month-old baby turns three. I want to be able to get a really good job, and the only way is to get my GED. I do not want to settle for a minimum paying job. It just wont be enough.

How have your friends and family helped you? My children have inspired me, because if it weren’t for them I wouldn’t be, or want to be, all i can be.

What problems have you faced? I have faced many problems in life. If I sat here and wrote about everything I went through, and what I had to do to get through them, I would be writing for days. What has helped me solve all of my problems is being strong and thinking smart. Always be better, ask questions, never feel you aren’t or won’t be good enough, and make smarter choices.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I hope to gain a good career for my children, because I will be getting married soon, and I will like to be able to help bring in income to help my family. I know that we all want things, but the only way you will ever afford them is to have a good job, bring home a decent pay check, and save money. As long as you have money in the bank, you will never be broke. My goal is to find a career that I would love to do to bring me up in life: somewhere i can grow. My dream is to succeed, to prove to those that doubted me, and to become all I can.

From The GED Academy: It sounds like you’ve gone through a lot in your life, and that has made you stronger and wiser. Getting an education can be a long and difficult process, and it’s definitely easy to ask yourself “is this really doing me any good?” while you’re through it, but keep these things you’ve written about in mind as you do, and I’m sure you’ll pull through to the end! Good luck!

letting me know that the sky is the limit. Just work hard and reach for it.

What problems have you faced? I faced peer pressure, suicidal attempts, and became a mother too soon. However, I use my early motherhood as my motivation.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I hope to get a better job, so I can further my studies in the pastry arts. My goal is to become a pastry chef, and run my own business.

From The GED Academy: Your friends and family are right, the sky IS the limit! Running your own pastry business sounds fun, and the GED is a great start! Keep your eyes on the sky, keep working hard, and you’ll be able to achieve anything you set your sights on. Good luck!

getting your GED? To get a better job. To be able to provide more for my children. To be able to put away money for their education.

From The GED Academy: If your employers aren’t showing you the courtesy to even explain why you’re not getting a raise, then it probably is time to start looking for a new job. Getting a GED is definitely the first step. It’s always easier to search for a new job while you still have your old one too. Good luck with your GED and your future job hunt, we know you can do it!

children.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? To take up a trade.

From The GED Academy: Good luck with getting your GED!

myself.

From The GED Academy: It’s difficult to keep yourself motivated, but it sounds like you’ve got the right idea. By keeping your childrens’ future in mind, you’ll be able to accomplish more than you ever thought possible. Good luck!

have a good job.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I wish to become a teacher someday.

From The GED Academy: Good luck on your goals to become a teacher. Many of the best teachers are people who have struggled with education in the past, and can help other struggling students because of that experience. Teaching is also the best way to learn. Perhaps you can look into tutoring at local community colleges as a start.

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!

GED? I want to start school for nursing and work at UMC with the babies.

Do you have more to your story? I am 20 year-old single parent. I just want to do better, so my kids’ future can be brighter.

From The GED Academy: It sounds like your children are already very fortunate to have a mother who cares so much about them. If you keep your eyes on the goal and study every day, we’re sure you can achieve your goals. Good luck!

and get off of my disability.

How have your friends and family helped you? My friends are very supportive of me. They have seen the home study courses I have taken in the criminal justice and forensics.

What problems have you faced? I took the GED last year and passed every thing but the writing and the math. I was 20 points off in writing and 100 in math.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? To feel like I have accomplished something in my life. It will open doors for me to futher my education. I am not a person that gives up easily. There’s a word for it, but it isn’t in my vocabulary.

Do you have more to your story? Criminal justice runs in my family. My uncle through marriage was a judge, and my cousin is a financial advisor for the prison system in Pennsylvania.

From The GED Academy: Perhaps the word you’re looking for is persistent? That’s a good thing to be when it comes to getting your GED. It’s not always easy, and it takes persistence to get through those tough times. That’s great that you have family in the criminal justice system. Talking to them about their jobs and your dreams is a good way to solidify your goals and make them real. We’re sure you’ll make it, just keep up with that persistence!

one thing I’ve never accomplished. Being out of school is really getting me nowhere. With a GED, I’d get to be something and someone. I’d have the education I’ve always wanted.

How have your friends and family helped you? My best friends have guided me through pretty much everything in my life. The tell me I need to do something with my life, and get my education. They’ve really inspired me. I’ve finally been pushed to become something real.

What problems have you faced? I want to be able to learn so much more than I know now. I want to be able to get a job that fits me.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I hope I can get a good job. With my GED, I’d get to live my lifetime dream of becoming a CSI, and going into the criminal justice feild. I’ll have the freedom to be so much more.

From The GED Academy: A CSI sounds exciting! And an education is certainly the first step in getting there. But you haven’t gotten “nowhere,” and you’re already something “real” right now. Especially if you want to go into the criminal justice field, remember that it’s not only an education that makes you a good investigator, it’s also life experiences. And it sounds like you’ve had a lot of those. You can learn from everything that happens in your life. A GED and a diploma are simply pieces of paper that prove you’ve learned the particular information you’re required to know to get a particular job, but everything you learn is valuable! So feel proud already, because everything you do has value. And good luck with your GED, we know you can do it!

faced? Everything has been a problem.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I want to get a job so I can take care of myself.

From The GED Academy: That’s great that you want to get your GED! It’s never too late to get it. I might seem intimidating to start studying again after having been out of high school for so long, but take it slow and you’ll get there! Good luck!

you? Not much, but they know that getting my GED would open a lot of doors for me.

What problems have you faced? I’ve had problems maintaining stable employment, getting trades, and furthering my education.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? Stable employment. I’d like to become a law enforcement officer or a counselor and help others.

Do you have more to your story? Ive had a rough road in trying to achieve this must-have goal. It’s been very hard for me throughout these recent years.

From The GED Academy: It sounds like your biggest concern is being able to maintain a job. What has been the main cause of this? Have you been dissatisfied with the jobs you’ve had and left? Have employers let you go simply because there isn’t enough money in this tough economy? Getting your GED is an important step, but ask yourself exactly why you haven’t been able to maintain a job too. For instance, if you didn’t like your past jobs, will you like your future ones, even with a GED? It might be good for you to get in contact with a career counselor and talk about what would make you the most happy in a work environment so you don’t end up continuing this pattern, even after you’ve gotten your GED. Good luck!

gain from getting your GED? Bigger dreams for myself.

From The GED Academy: It’s great that your girlfriend is helping you. Keep your eyes on those dreams, and you’ll have your GED in no time!

you? They don’t motivate me. They just talk about me.

What problems have you faced? I need a good paying job.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? My goals and dreams.

From The GED Academy: It’s tough when your friends and family aren’t being helpful. Don’t let them get you down. Many times, when people try to put others down, it’s only because they’re insecure and upset about their own bad situation. You’re trying to rise up and make something of yourself. Take pride in that, and one day you’ll be able to achieve your goals and dreams.

brother, sister, and grandma. We’re the only people we have for eachother. I didn’t think about that when I had the chance to go to school for free or get into a good college. But I’m going to get my GED and try my best to do what I need to in order to go to school.

How have your friends and family helped you? My family have been the only ones to motivate me to do anything. I try to stay away from the people and things that have led me in the wrong direction before.

What problems have you faced? Just going to school everyday and having to listen to teachers was a problem. Adult Education classes are a better environment for me to learn in.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I hope to gain a better chance to do what I want in life. I’d like to get my business degree and open a restaurant or t-shirt company.

From The GED Academy: The way that classes are taught back in middle school and high school can turn a lot of people off of education. There are a lot of different ways to learn something, and usually it’s just a matter of finding what works for you. It’s great that you’re finding your current classes better than they were back in high school. Keep trying different things if you ever feel like you’re getting stuck back in the high school routine. Good luck!

faced? I need help with math and science.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? To get another job.

From The GED Academy: Math and science give a lot of people troubles. Luckily, with the GED, you don’t need to memorize lots of facts about science like what elements make up barium sulfate. Who needs to know that? Try a practice test to see how the science and math tests work so you’ll have a better idea of what to brush up on for the real test.

Good luck!

school. That makes me sad and mad, so I’m going to show them all.

How have your friends and family helped you? My family thinks it’s great. They say I can do it if i work hard. I haven’t talked to my friends since I left high school.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I hope to be a hair stylist.

From The GED Academy: Good luck! There’s a lot of great hair stylist programs in community colleges. You should check out a college near you to see if they have one. Taking action on distant goals is a good way to succeed with the smaller ones. Keep working hard and you’ll be sure to get your GED soon!

part-time (almost full-time) job, and I want out of school for now so that I can do nothing but work because my mother is a mom of 3 and single and I would like to help her as much as possible. I just can’t seem to motivate myself to do my school work anymore. I’m very smart if I try hard enough and I think that getting a G.E.D. will help in the long run. After 18 I want to go to college to be a nurse or a vet but as for the here and now I need all the work hours I can get. I don’t have time for school.

How have your friends and family helped you? My mom is my biggest support and also my best friend. She said that she would help me study only if it is what I really want to do. That means signing me out of school and passing my G.E.D. All my friends are of age and most of them disagree, but it will not stop me.

What problems have you faced? I just need to know if I’m smart enough to pass the G.E.D before I go and have my mom sign me out of school.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? orking and saving money for college to become a nurse or a vet.

getting my GED.

How have your friends and family helped you? My mother and my niece have encouraged me to get my GED. My mother wasn’t happy or there for me in the beginning, but now I think she understands.

What problems have you faced? I have faced a lot of very personal problems that I’d rather not share.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I hope to get a job that pays well and go to a community college in order to further my education. Getting my GED is just the start for me.

Do you have more to your story? “Sometimes you gotta go through the pain to experience the joy.” - Danity Kane

From The GED Academy: That’s a great quote, and so true. Without knowing what it’s like to feel pain, we can take good things for granted. Many people who have had everything handed to them on a silver platter and never struggled to get what they need are often very unhappy. They don’t realize how good they have it, because they’ve never felt the pain of not having it. However, people who have lived their whole lives with nothing at all are happy just to have food for the day. You’re struggling now, but once you get your GED and take your first step into a college classroom, you’ll feel so much joy and pride at what you’ve accomplished. Keep your thoughts on the future and the joy you could have, and you’ll get there soon!

access to GED Academy and studied for about 2 months. This system WORKS.

Throughout my career as an adult, I have been able to stay afloat without my diploma, but hanging over my head was the constant fear of discovery. I have been worried that my employer would discover my lack of educational certification. As I worked my way through one promotion after another, I eventually hit a wall. A job that I was being moved into required proof of a H.S. diploma. I didn’t want 10 years of hard work to hold me back, so I sublimated my pride, registered for the test, and took it.

It was scary. At my age, it was difficult to enter the testing center and not feel ashamed by the younger folks’ stares. Passged.com prepared me to overcome that fear through preparation. Much of what I had forgotten in my youth came back to me as I studied for the GED. I re-learned things that I had forgotten I even knew to begin with.

My main points of advice for anyone thinking of taking the GED are these:

1. Take the GED. Don’t let a lack of diploma hold you back. Take it while you are young enough to remember much of what will be on the test.
2. Take ownership of your learning. You have to prepare for this test as if your future depends on it. You CAN pass. But you need to study as if you are afraid to fail!

I scored a 3450 on the test battery.

800 Math

730 Science

700 Social Studies

620 Language Arts, Reading

600 Language Arts, Writing

I was told these are good scores. I want to Thank GED Academy for them. The preparation and resources you have here on this site were invaluable! THANK YOU

Also, The GED test administrator called me today and asked me come in and talk about my options at a local community college. She is sending me info on two GED grants I may be qualified for, and is recommending I begin taking CLEP tests for credits toward my degree. This whole process has been rewarding at a very personal level.

From The GED Academy: That’s fantastic! Those scores are amazing! Thanks for submitting your story and offering some advice for other GED students. Good luck with college! People of all ages are attending college, so there’s no reason to feel ashamed or embarrased once you get there either. Feel proud about your scores, and also that you’ve made it so far in your career without a diploma. It takes a lot of courage and strength to do what you’ve done. Congratulations!

believing my options are few. I dropped out of school too many years ago to count. I’m in my fifties. We have a beautiful, intelligent child who is an honor student at a prestigious university. She has no knowledge of my secondary education history but never fails to tell me how proud she is of my ability to mentor her through tough academics. I plan to share with her my truth, but when I do, I want to present to her my GED to show her how anyone can pull through tough times and be a success.

How have your friends and family helped you? I will be the first to break the cycle of all my siblings. Only one has a GED. Watching my daughter walk across the stage and later hand me a Honors Diploma is my greatest inspiration.

What problems have you faced? Actually, I graduated from an accredited technical college that did not require a diploma or GED for admission. Real life experience was accepted along with passing the pre-admission exam. Math is somewhat of a challenge for me since I missed out on quite a bit. Fear of failing has caused procrastination but after visiting many websites, this one, with the promise of support like tutoring and so forth, has given me the courage to move forward.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? As mentioned above, I have some college and have been able to hold really good positions. However, it is a struggle to get beyond the “education” section on applications and during interviews. If it weren’t for my extensive work experience, I’m not sure I could even get a solid job. I want to achieve a 4-year degree, discover possible options not yet realized, and find the courage to free myself to the possibility of a better life. I owe this to my daughter.

From The GED Academy: It sounds like you’ve found success, even without a diploma. Getting a GED requires that same drive and focus, so with a little time and effort, you’ll have it it no time! Studying for the GED is also good preparation for getting back into college after having been out of the academic system for a while. Remember that you helped your daughter through school, and she’s extremely grateful of it and proud of what you’ve done. If you find yourself struggling on your path to getting a GED, don’t be afraid to let her know what’s going on. Perhaps she can help you now as you’ve helped her in the past. Good luck!

order to do that, I will need my GED.

How have your friends and family helped you? They just keep telling me that I am smart, and that I can do it.

What problems have you faced? I realized after taking a practice test that I need to study more.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I hope to go to nursing school and become a nurse.

From The GED Academy: Taking the practice test is a big first step to take. Now that you know what your strengths and weaknesses are, you can focus on the things you’re not so great at, and take pride in the questions you got right! You’re right, studying will help you improve. It only takes an hour or so each night and you’ll start to see improvement right away! Good luck on getting your GED. We know you can do it!

helped you? They are there for me. They tell me that they will help me any way they can.

What problems have you faced? I really need help in math and social studies.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? My goals are to become a nurse, to better myself in life, and to build a family.

From The GED Academy: Math gives a lot of students trouble. The best thing to do is try to find a time to work with math a little everyday. The reason a lot of us are bad at math is because we never use it. By practicing a little everyday, you’ll begin to start remembering the rules more easily. Good luck!

me to take my GED so I can be a nurse.

What problems have you faced? I once had a drug problem. I solved my problems by getting away from all that.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I hope to be a nurse once I graduate. My hopes are to get my daughter back.

From The GED Academy: Congratulations on kicking your drug habit. Sometimes we can find ourselves in situations that are very difficult to get out of, and it sounds like you’ve already come so far! If you keep at it and work hard, you’re sure to achieve your goals. Good luck!

I also want to get my GED to give my daughter a better life and to be independent for my family.

How have your friends and family helped you? All my family and friends have inspired me each and every day, and they’ve motivated me to be better in life.

What problems have you faced? I have faced a lot of different things in my life that have put me through a lot of depression. I have lost myself. I didn’t realize who I was. My daughter woke me up and told me, “Mom, you need to get out of it and do something for yourself. Go back to school, mom.”

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I hope that by getting my GED, I will be successful in life and have a great job. I hope I can support my family and be happy. I hope I can put a smile on my face again.

From The GED Academy: Sometimes it takes a wake-up call to get us going. It sounds like you’ve raised a great daughter, and that you have some good support amongst your friends and family. Keep working at it, and you’ll be sure to get your GED! Good luck!

didn’t have a diploma. One day I decided to see if I could do something about it. I started researching online and found out that I could study at GED Academy and get my GED. I talked about it with my husband, who gave me so much encouragement, so I decided to go ahead. I bought my online materials through passGED and started. I started studying in April 2009 and took my exam in November 2009. It took a lot of dedication, hard work, and strength to be able to do this. I really had to focus and put all of my efforts and energies into this. Some days, I was so tired of studying that I got despondent, however I kept going and kept studying until I felt ready to do the exam. I sat my exam and I found out on the weekend that I passed, and not only did I pass, I got the highest score possible in the Language Arts-Reading exam. I was thrilled and couldn’t stop smiling. The hard work really does pay off, and if you really want something bad enough, then it can be yours!!

I’ve decided to follow my dreams and get into the sports medicine industry. I will begin my course next year after a well earned break over the holiday season. I had a lot of encouragement from family and friends, and that helps. It’s never too late to follow your dreams. Never give up!!

From The GED Academy: That’s wonderful! Congratulations! And thanks for writing this inspiring story. It always helps others who have yet to start their GED journey to read about people who have completed it. Good luck with your future in sports medicine, and let us know how it turns out!

Have a great new year!

roll model, I had to show them that I can accomplish anything, and that we don’t need to worry about who will take care of us. Independence is the best way to go.

How have your friends and family helped you? They always stayed positive and have always supported me in everthing I have done, through the best and worst moments in my life. This year I need a lot of support, and they are right by my side. I love you guys. Thanks!

What problems have you faced? Concentrating on my school work and juggling both family and education. The only way to deal with it is to have a scheduling agenda-to keep track of how long I should study while still having time to be with my kids.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I want to gain independence. I want to finally go to college and have a career so I can support my kids. I want to have a better and healthier life without drama and help from others.

From The GED Academy Raising two children on your own while studying for school can be difficult, but you’ve got the right idea. Setting a schedule for studying is great. Even just 15-30 minutes a day could add up to a lot of work getting done in just a month. It’s important to feel independent, but a large part of being independent is simply having the confidence to know that you can be so. You’re on the right track. Keep studying, and you’ll reach your goals in no time!

helped you? They want me to live a successful life.

What problems have you faced? The only problem is the Math exam.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? A job and to be successful.

From The GED Academy The Math exam is difficult for many people. The key is to keep working your Math skills everyday. Do simple things you know you can do, even if it’s starting back at addition and subtraction. Once you feel confident with the simple things, work on the more difficult things and practice those each day. The more you practice something, the easier it becomes. Good luck!

do.

How have your friends and family helped you? They tell me to go for it. That I can do it.

What problems have you faced? have problems learning. I think I need to focus more.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? Becoming a coordinator at my job and the joy of knowing I passed my GED.

From The GED Academy: That’s great that you like what you do, and that you’re in the position to get promoted. Focusing is an important part of studying, but have you thought about studying in different ways too? Everyone learns in a different way. Experiment with different methods: flash cards, using different color pens to highlight or write down different kinds of information, saying things out loud as you read them. Maybe a different method will help you understand and remember materials better.

Good luck!

wasn’t until now that I began appreciating education, and had the courage to enroll in a GED prep program at my local community college. I took 2 “official practice tests” during my time in the program, and I passed both tests. This gave me the confidence to go ahead and take the real GED test.

How have your friends and family helped you? Well, A lot of my motivation came from the fact that I studied hard, never gave up, and took my test with the right attitude. It also took some motivation from my friends and family who all said I would do great.

What problems have you faced? Problems were a big thing for me. Part of the reason why I left school was the special remediation classes I was enrolled in. The fact that I was a different kind of learner, and not as fast as many of my other classmates, made me feel discouraged. Another part of my lack of self-confidence were my teachers and classmates that made me feel totally worthless, which resulted in me giving up on school all together.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? Ok, Its been almost 3 weeks since I’ve taken my GED, and I still have yet to receive my scores, but Im pretty confident I passed. If I passed the test, I am going to aim for higher education at my local community college in their criminal justice program with hopes to pursue a career with the Albany County Sheriff’s Department.

Do you have more to your story? I want to give everyone the advice of DON’T GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS. You can be whatever you want to be, even with only a G.E.D. It’s what you make of it that matters. Be the best that you can be. Get out there, take your GED, pass it, and show the world that you’re just as good as a regular high school graduate!! GOOD LUCK

From The GED Academy: Glad to hear you met your goals and took your GED! It’s a big first step, and it sounds like you’ve got your future planned out as well. It’s wonderful to hear that you have learned to appreciate education now. College is a lot different than High School, and you’ll be sure to learn a lot of information that you care about. Good luck with your future in college, and good job on getting started on the road to a brighter future!

that staying home, thinking about parties and clubs was not going to help me in my future. I decided that I wanted to get my GED one way or the other. I started classes but for some reason, I quit going. I don’t know why. I started thinking that I really need to make a good thing out of my life. So, this time I am determined to make it no matter what. I want to pass my GED, get a better job, and help my mom and daughter. I want them to be proud of me, and I want to be proud of myself too. I am going to prove to the world that I can make it, through God and GED Academy.

How have your friends and family helped you? As for my friends, they have been there since I droped out of school. They have encourage me to get my life back together and go get my GED. They advised me like a sister. They care about me and they are always there for me. As for my family, they don’t really care about me like that. They look down on me. They think that I am not going to make it in life. They think that I dont care about my future, but they dont know me like I know myself. They say my life is not going to go anywhere. They say I am going to end up on the street, but I am going to prove to them that I can make it by studying hard and getting my GED.

What problems have you faced? I have faced millions of problems, but with God’s help, I am solving them. I know that the only way I can solve them is by geting my GED, going to college, and then getting a good job.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I hope to gain more knowlege. I want to be a RN. I want to help my family and friends. I want to be the person that I choose to be.

is almost Christmas, and I can barely give my kids Christmas this year because I cant afford it. I want to get my Nurse Practitioners License so I can help bipolar kids like my youngest son, and guess what? You can’t go to nursing school without a high school diploma or a GED, and did I tell you I dropped out of school when I was 15 to take care of my newborn son?

How have your friends and family helped you? My kids have been great. They have helped me study and taught me stuff i never learned. People ask if it embarrasses me to have my kids teaching me, and I say no. It makes me soooo proud that they are so smart. My youngest son, who has ADHD and is bipolar, is an honor roll student at 15.

What problems have you faced? I am so afraid of failing that I keep putting off taking the pre test.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? A college degree, the ability to help my kids and their kids, and to have a comfortable retirement.

From The GED Academy: That’s so wonderful that your kids can help you, and that you don’t feel embarrassed about it. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about! You’re going after your dreams. Remember that even if you don’t do well on the pretest, that’s not the end. Once you find out how you did on the pretest, you can take steps toward getting a good grade on the final test. It’s always hardest to start something because we’re afraid we’ll fail, but once we start doing it, simply knowing that we had the courage to start gives us the confidence to finish. Good luck!

as I get time, I would go back and get my GED. Also I went to massage school, but in order for me to stay in school, I had to take a test. Well, I scored higher on one part and lower on the other part. I had to pass both parts and I failed, so a part of me said that I will not go back until I get my GED, and I can’t feel complete without it.

How have your friends and family helped you? I have this one special person in my life. He supports me in all that I do. He keeps me strong and encourages me as well. He is always telling me to stay strong.

What problems have you faced? I faced problems finding good jobs. The only way to solve them is to get my GED. With that, I can solve them. Also, studying for my G.E.D.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I hope to gain more confidence about myself, continue more schooling, then find a career and fill my long term goals.

From The GED Academy: Looks like you’re on the right track. Studying for the GED will definitely help you with the massage school test, as well as give you more confidence. Setting out to get your GED will also encourage your son. It’s great that you have someone who keeps you strong. Keep at it, and know that we’re all rooting for you here as well.

myself.

What problems have you faced? I need help to get my GED.

What do you hope to achieve with your GED? My dream is to join the police. I would like to serve my community.

now I realize if I had done this a long time ago I could have already achieved my dreams by now, which I would to LOVE to own my pastry business and restaurant. My goal is to be someone my children can look up to in the future and for myself to know that I can do it if I am determined enough, because everyone deserves a second chance in life. Thanks for reading!

How have your friends and family helped you? My mother has always told me I have been a disappointment to her, but I am ready to change that.

What problems have you faced? I have faced being in lowwwwwwwwwwwwww paying jobs, dirtbag bosses, and long hours, which I want to change all of that. I was lost for a very long time. I did not know who I was. I started cooking more, and discovered how much I really love it.

What do you hope to achieve with your GED? I hope to be someone that you can remember when you come to my restaurant.

Don’t waste your life on partying and your friends. All that happens is that you are taking away from yourself.

This is a dream job for me. I just need to stay motivated. Stay motivated and don’t give up.

I haven’t been in school since the 80s so the problem I am having is staying motivated. I just need to stay focused. I hope to become a member of a SWAT team on the police force or a K9 officer. I know I can do all things through Christ Jesus.

working in a warehouse either picking orders or assembly work. I love to play the guitar and spend time with my beautiful family!

Reason for Leaving School: I left school when I was 17. I left because my living situation got messed up and I just never had the chance to go back.

Reason to Get a GED: I want to get my GED because it will make me feel better about myself and it will also give me the opportunity to go to college.

One Thing I Need for My Dreams: One of my dreams is to go to college and have a great source of income for my family. In order to do that I have to have a high school diploma or at least a GED.