Alana's Story

I am on a Mission I was raised in a middle class family and went to a very nice high school. My father had a good job. My mother had mental illness and there was a lot of fighting in my house. No one at school knew how bad it was at home. I dropped out of high school. I started dating a guy who was not a good influence on me. I had miscellaneous jobs but none provided the income I needed as a single Mom. I had no idea how important a high school diploma was when I dropped out of school. I want more. I want a career. I would like to go to cosmetology school or get a degree in sports medicine. I have to get a GED in order to move forward at all. I am ashamed for people to know that I do not have my GED.

I heard about the YWCA GED program on the radio and started classes in 2009.

My boyfriend did not want me to get my GED. He would not let me use the car to go to classes. He was very jealous, accusing me of going to class to meet a guy rather than prepare for my GED. I broke up with him and he took the car so I had to leave GED classes because I did not have transportation or a sitter for my two children.

I came back to class this year, more determined than ever.
The classes have helped me a lot. My teacher often stays after class to help me.
He has taught me to “break down” math problems and also how to check my work.
I am about to take the GED exam and I know I will pass. The YWCA GED program is the best —you get lots of help, the teachers are very positive and encouraging.

I miss having a boyfriend but I am on a mission, I do not have time for relationships.
I am teaching my children to be kind and work hard. I want to provide a good life for my children and make the world better for other people.