Troy

School was tough for me. From 6th grade on I felt like I never got the help I needed. I was left behind by my teachers and classmates, and by 8th grade I didn’t want to be there. All my care and joy in learning was ruined.

I left school half way through 8th grade. I didn’t want to go to school, was old enough to drop out, and just stopped going.

Dropping out hurt my self-confidence a lot. My parents weren’t upset with me, but they were worried because they really wanted me to finish school. I did what I could to educate myself and learn the things my peers in school were learning. I did internet research and writing. My parents helped with that, but there was no set program to get a diploma or GED and it seemed pointless.

It was 6 years before I came to CVAE to get my diploma. I was working full-time and kind of gave up on my future, content to just work. I always had a voice at the back of my head telling me to finish school. All my friends graduated and went to college. I was embarrassed to go out and be recognized as that person who dropped out of high school.

I finally called CVAE. My mother was pushing me to finish school. I was nervous to call. I had that fear and shame to let people know I had only gone so far in school. It was embarrassing to go back to a program as an adult.

I came to CVAE and felt welcomed. It felt like the people there wanted me to complete high school. They were encouraging and it made me feel good. I was working full-time and going to school. I was excited about learning again and didn’t feel judged or pressured. I became comfortable asking for help.

The most important thing I’ve learned at CVAE about myself is that I can better myself. I know that the diploma will boost my confidence and give my future a brighter outlook. I want people to know that they can do it. When I first called CVAE I was discouraged. I knew I had to graduate, but I didn’t want to. I think about the possibilities for the future, not the present.