I know if there will ever be a good life for myself and my children then I must finish my GED.

I dropped out of school when I was a junior in high school. I’m now in my 40’s and going back to school. My teacher has taught me techniques that had never been introduced to me before; she took the time and found ways to help me understand. I can’t even express the joy! And excitement!

Not only would we consider hiring one of Second Start’s Office Program graduates if an opening occurred, we actually did hire the first intern who practiced here.

I came in every morning and said to myself, ‘I am here and it’s time again to start off my day accomplishing the goals I have set for myself’. This is what Second Start is all about–getting yourself on your feet and running for the medal!

You have helped our family with what is possibly the hardest job around. You have devoted your time, energy and compassion not only to our children, but to others. It takes a special type of individual to be able to do this, and I must say you have all done it well. It’s not easy to leave your children in someone else’s care for the whole work day, but knowing that they were in able hands made leaving them easier.

My turning point was when I came to Second Start. I was a high school dropout. When I dropped out I thought it would be the easiest thing to go back if I wanted to. But the day I dropped out, I got very lazy almost instantly. I was always fighting with my parents because there was nothing for me to do. But now that I’m in Second Start, I come to school almost every day and don’t waste my life.