A Better Life for My Son

I’m 24 years old and a single mother of a 4 year old son. I dropped out of school in the 9th grade, at the age of 16. I got pregnant when I was 19 and realized that I needed an education to find employment. It has taken me this long to realize that, and it sucks. I started GED test prep in October and successfully passed 4 of the 5 tests. Math is the hardest for me, and I’m struggling with it right now. Part of me wants to just quit, but I need a better life for my son. So I am pushing myself and working hard on trying to pass it. I don’t want a life of poverty for my son. I want him to know that he can be anything and accomplish anyhing in life if he has an education and stays in school.

I am the only child of 8 children who does NOT have a high school diploma or GED diploma. My family is also pushing me and helping me to achieve my GED by helping me study and just being there and supporting me. They believe in me and it means a lot to me.

I’m having problem understanding math. Dropping out in 9th grade was a very bad idea. I have no knowledge of it and am currently testing at an 8th grade level. I feel so dumb and I know it’s my fault. I made the decision to drop out and it’s affecting me so much.

I plan on going to college after I get my GED. I have many goals and my dream is to work with teens who have alcohol and drug problems. I feel that I can connect with them because I have been down that road before.