Our Strength in Christ

Mike was seventeen years old when he made the decision to drop out of high school. His family had been struggling financially and Mike felt pressured to get a full time job to help with financial support. Knowing that he could always go back to school and get his GED, he made the difficult decision to leave high school.

As time went on, Mike got married and started a family of his own. Juggling the demands of his job and family responsibilities, he didn’t have the time to work toward his GED. Although the dream of obtaining his diploma never went away, he would have to wait years before it came to fruition.

“I intended to go back to school, but there was never a time I wasn’t providing for my family,” Mike remembers. “Time just got away from me and getting my GED kept being placed on the back burner. But I never forgot about it, and I knew one day I would make it happen.”

Years later, after his retirement, Mike was ready to take the next step. “I knew what I wanted to do, but I wasn’t sure how. I did an internet search on GED classes and Center of Hope came up. I was nervous, but ready to move forward,” Mike explained. “Earning my GED means a lot to me. My two sons did great in school and have gone on to be successful. I am so proud of them, and I want them to be proud of me too. You see, they don’t know I didn’t finish high school.”

Mike started working with his tutor and found the support and encouragement he needed to succeed. “My tutors gave me great feedback and helped explain things clearly,” Mike said. “There were times when I doubted myself, but they kept me on track and cheered me on. I couldn’t believe it when I passed the test on my first try.”

With some work and effort, Mike has finally accomplished his life-long dream. “It feels so good and I am so proud of myself. Thank you, Center of Hope! You all mean so much and what you all do blesses people!”