“I almost gave up on finishing school, but Helms Academy gave me a second chance. Now I’m preparing to earn my diploma and show my daughter that it’s never too late to reach your goals.”
From Setbacks to Self-Determination: Samahj’s Journey to Finishing What He Started
What started as a wrong turn became a life-changing opportunity for Samahj. While trying to visit a Goodwill retail store in Maple Shade, he instead found himself at the Goodwill Helms Academy training center. That moment, along with seeing a Helms Academy billboard, inspired him to take a chance and enroll.
Samahj’s experience with traditional education had been difficult. After being expelled during his final week of middle school and struggling throughout high school, he eventually stepped away from pursuing his diploma altogether. Even an attempt at a GED program did not work out, leaving him discouraged about returning to school.
When he first joined Helms Academy, he faced similar challenges and was dropped from the program due to poor attendance. But instead of giving up, he made the decision to return just one month later with a renewed commitment. Through the virtual program, he stayed consistent, balancing coursework with responsibilities at home and pushing through obstacles that once held him back.
Motivated by his desire to be a strong role model for his daughter and supported by his wife, Samahj stayed focused on his goal. Now, he is preparing to walk in July and receive his diploma, proving that persistence and purpose can turn even the toughest setbacks into a new beginning.
What began as a wrong turn became the right direction, proving that with persistence, support, and a clear purpose, it is never too late to rewrite your story.
Learn More About Goodwill’s Helms Academy
Goodwill’s Helms Academy provides a second chance at education for adults who have not completed high school. The program offers a tuition-free path to earning a high school diploma in a supportive, flexible environment designed to meet students where they are.
Participants can choose from in-person or virtual learning options, making it easier to balance education with work, family, and other responsibilities. Along the way, students receive personalized support, helping them build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and prepare for future career opportunities.
Helms Academy is more than a classroom. It is a pathway to stability, growth, and new possibilities for individuals ready to take the next step.
To learn more or get started, visit: https://helmsacademy.org/
Discover Programs That Change Lives
The stories you see here are made possible through Goodwill Industries of Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia’s mission services. From adult education and job training to career placement and support services, these programs help individuals overcome barriers and build brighter futures.
If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, we invite you to learn more about the opportunities available.
