I was a shy child growing up and when I hit grade seven, I went from a small school classroom to a large classroom in a big high school. I never asked for help, so I got lost in the shuffle. There were too many students for one teacher, so in return, I barely passed from one grade to another. I had my first child early in life, so I did not get my high school diploma.
There are so many things going on in a person's life that you forget to do something for yourself, not for anyone or anything else, but for you. After I had my first child, I got married and had my second child, who was diagnosed with autism when he was three years old. The next number of years was focused on helping our son develop his communication and social skills. My family and their needs were more important to me than my own, so I was willing to put mine on hold, with no regrets.
Two years ago, I passed the GED the second time around, but it wasn't enough. I wanted to learn more.
I finally realized when my oldest son turned eighteen, graduated from high school and was heading to college and my other son was almost sixteen and doing great developmentally, that it was time to make my move.
When I started at the Adult Learning Program at the NSCC, Strait Area Campus, I was scared to death, but I was also surprised and impressed. Going back to school is so different from high school. In high school, I only cared about my friends and how I looked. I got lost in the crowd and never received any help. In ALP, the classes are smaller, which makes it easier to learn, and the instructors, well they are great! They are so patient and when I need help, they will help me in any way they can. My fellow students are so friendly and they accept everyone for who they are, no matter how different you are. I am a quiet person, who likes her space, but also likes to be part of the conversation. I love to put my thoughts down on paper. Some of my instructors are suggesting I take up a career in writing.
I am not sure what I want to do yet, but I'm sure I will figure it out with the help of my instructors and the career counsellor. I am so happy that I came back to school after being out for twenty years. The best decision I've made was going to ALP. This program has the best atmosphere for learning because of the small classes and how far the instructors will go to help you achieve your dream. I have so much admiration and gratitude for counsellors, instructors, and staff. They are the educators who make ALP what it is.
Thank you all so much.