Alone and faced with medical complications during pregnancy at age 16, Amber didn’t have much of a choice other than dropping out of high school during her sophomore year. While she threw herself into being the very best mom she could be for the next few years, she wanted more for herself and for her son. “Being asked if I had a diploma brought me shame. I was embarrassed,” said Amber.
Upon enrolling in Goodwill’s Helms Academy at age 22, Amber made it a goal to finish up where she left off in the shortest time possible. According to Goodwill Instructor Patti, she did just that all while living in a homeless shelter; juggling childcare; and figuring out transportation issues. “Bright and incredibly ambitious, Amber passed her GED exam in a two-month span which is remarkable,” said Patti.
Amber’s advice to others wanting to make a change in their life is to keep your head and faith high and never stop trying to achieve the goals you set for yourself no matter how impossible they seem to reach. “I am proof that YOU can do it,” said Amber.
Thanks to your generous donations to Goodwill, adult learners like Amber get a fresh start. Today, Amber is pursuing her CNA certification and would eventually like to earn her Master’s degree in Psychology. Goodwill is where your stuff starts NEW LIVES!
