I became a single mom at age 15. When my son was born, he weighed less than two pounds and was just 12 inches long! There were some very scary days but he beat the odds. He required care 24/7. My son was eventually diagnosed with cerebral palsy and became wheelchair bound. Naturally, I sacrificed everything I ever aspired to be for him. While he had a ten percent chance of surviving, I am happy to report he is now 18 years old with three siblings.
It was during the pandemic that I had time to reflect on my life and my dreams. I had a busy life taking care of my family and health issues of my own, but my family encouraged me to finish what I had started. I enrolled in Goodwill’s Helms Academy to obtain my high school diploma. I set aside two days a week to attend in person classes where I got phenomenal support from staff members.
I worked hard and experienced ups and downs along the way…but I did it! I passed all sections of the HiSet exam and earned my diploma at the same time as my now 18-year-old son got his! I then went on to school to become a certified eyelash artist. I am thriving in my new career and feel truly grateful and blessed to have found Goodwill’s Helms Academy where anything is possible!
