Just so you know, I miss my mom. She was such an inspiration to me. Something of note was that she never had a chance to finish past her 8th grade education. While I was in high-school, I remember her telling me she wanted to do more, she wanted to make a better difference for us.
She found out how to get her G.E.D. and to be able to pass her High-School Equivalency Diploma. She succeeded, and passed with flying colors! What she did next just defined courage and determination. She took classes to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. None of it would have been possible without completing her G.E.D. first. I remember helping her with some of the math and science behind everything.
She is partially the reason I became a Paramedic. I saw the goodness that she did, I saw what she was able to accomplish, and I knew that I could do the same if I wanted. She was a true example of what it was to have goals and complete them. You can learn to adapt as well, learn how you can complete yours below.
There is always so much excitement around the weeks leading up to back to school. We get our shopping lists for supplies, new school clothes, and we start getting ourselves prepared for a new schedule. And even as parents, when our kids go back to school, our schedules change. Do you know an adult who is also going through this back to school routine? Many times we do not stop to think about the adults in our lives, friends, family, and co-workers, who might be working on furthering their education as well.
And I am not just talking about college classes. I am talking about those hardworking adults who, for one reason or another, were unable to finish their high school diploma or equivalency. Maybe they had to get a job to help support their family, maybe they became mothers at an early age – whatever the reason – we need to celebrate, encourage and inspire anyone who feels like they have nowhere to turn if they were unable to get their high school diploma. Because they are not alone and there is help out there!
Without a high school diploma, opportunities in today’s economy can be limited. In fact, nearly 30% of adults with household incomes at or below the federal poverty line do not have a high school credential. The AdCouncil and FinishYourDiploma.org have launched a new campaign to celebrate the adults who have finished their diploma and to inspire those who feel like they have been alone or did not know where to turn to find resources and tools for free adult education in their community.
Since the campaign initially launched in 2010, Finish Your Diploma has helped more than 800,000 adults in all 50 states find free test-prep classes in their area. Finding free adult education is possible.
Please help us get the word out about the network of thousands of free adult education classes available throughout the country. You know people in your community who want to further their education and they can benefit from this information!
In most communities, local nonprofits and literacy centers are able to offer free classes to help adults prepare for the GED, TASC, or HiSET high school equivalency tests. If we, as a community, can get people in the door, these centers will provide support and guidance on the path towards higher education. For many adults, earning a high school equivalency diploma is the first step toward a college degree, better job, or brighter future.
How else can you help in your local community?
Join the #HatsOffToYou Social Media Campaign – One thing that unites graduates in the U.S. is the tossing of a cap to celebrate their tremendous achievement. The AdCouncil and FinishYourDiploma.org are asking people to toss a hat in support of adult graduates and to inspire others to get their diplomas. Simply film a short video or Instagram Boomerang, or take a picture of yourself tossing any hat you have available. Use the hashtag #HatsOffToYou and tag @FinishYourDiploma on Instagram. Example: I’m tossing my hat to show my support for the thousands of hard-working adults who will earn their high school diplomas this year #HatsOffToYou. Will you be next? Visit FinishYourDiploma.org for helpful tips. @FinishYourDiploma
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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This is very important. I retweeted the post.
There are many adults for whatever reason who didnt complete high school. My Dad went into the Army (Korean War) and I remember him getting his diploma when I was in 9th grade. A few friends were drafted into Vietnam. The service didnt recognize some were a year behind just they were 18. Others, had to work at 17 etc.
Whatever the reason, it is never too late.
Kudos to your Mom, it couldnt have been easy but she showed by example it was possible!
Thanks so much Ellen, and Kudos to your Dad for serving as well. Thank you for sharing that. I agree, everyone should have this opportunity. Have a great day! Thanks for sharing!
Tom