Butler Adult Education Success Stories

Former adult education student

Erin Ring

How did coming to Butler Adult Education change your life?

I felt worthless before coming to Butler to get my GED.   It was so hard to get up in the mornings, so hard, because it didn't seem like I had much to live for.   I came to Butler and got everything together.   It's just like my dad told me many times, he said "Erin, you are 18 years old, you have the world at your fingertips, you can do anything! "  But the problem was I dropped out my freshman year of high school and those words lost meaning to me.   Then, when I got that diploma, that piece of paper, I found out what I could really do with it.   I feel today like I can do anything, my whole outlook on life has changed.

What real changes have you made since passing the GED exam and getting your diploma?

The biggest thing is that I have gone to college.   I am the only person in my family that has been able to do that.   I am in my third semester, almost finished with it, and I love it.   Every class I go to just makes me look forward to the future.   I have changed my surroundings and the people I hang out with.   I surround myself with more positive people.   It's like a night and day difference.   I haven't felt this good about myself for maybe six years.   I have a job and have been there for 18 months and I love it.   I wouldn't be able to work there or be as far along as I am without my diploma.

I feel heathier, I can get up in the morning and completely look forward to my day.   It's just that whole "go get 'em" attitude.   I never saw that coming.   I never expected it would feel this good.

What advice can you give students who are either thinking about getting their diploma or in the process of getting it and perhaps struggling?

You just have to stick with it.   You have to wake up every morning and tell yourself "I'm doing this to better my life. "  When you're having trouble with that algebra problem or essay, just sit back and breathe.   Ask for help if you need it because it is definitely available.   You have to think what's ahead after this, what can you do with that piece of paper, how much you can better your life.

 

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