S-U-C-C-E-S-S-!

Last November, we interviewed Greater Homewood learner Hector Rosado, who had just passed the two assessments required for admission into the Biotech training program at the BioTechnical Institute of Maryland. At that time, Hector identified testing for the GED as his next major goal. Hector came by this week to show us his diploma and share his reflections on the vision, drive, and hard work that enabled him to earn his high school diploma in under a year.

How long did you prepare for the GED test before taking it?

I joined the [Adult Learning] Center in April and studied through December.

What helped you earn your high school diploma in under a year?

Ms. List encouraged me to go to the library, do things on my own, push forward through those books, and do the homework.

What did you do to prepare? What were your study strategies?

I made it my number one priority. I didn’t miss any classes. I scheduled around my studies as much as possible, so that I could include my studies in all my activities. I studied whenever the opportunity arose. Studying was my recreation.

Who supported you in your efforts to pass the test?

My wife, Elizabeth, number one. All of the instructors and staff at the Adult Learning Center. Also, I motivated and supported myself. You have to have the desire and drive to get it done.

How did you feel when you found out that you had passed the test?

It’s hard to put into words. I feel great. It’s something that I always wanted and finally achieved. It’s a feeling of exultation. I won; it was a victory.

What are your next steps, now that you have your high school diploma?

Now that I have my HS Diploma, that goal is out of the way and I have to put that aside. I have to start on another goal. I’m not quite sure what I will do, but I know that I have many doors open now that I have a diploma. I want to go to school and further my education. I don’t want to die with a shovel in one hand and a pick in the other. Maybe I’ll look into starting up a business.

What advice can you offer other learners preparing for the test?

Use EVERYTHING. Use all of the assets you can find. Don’t just use the books the Center provides. Find and use other things that can help you along the way to the GED. Don’t just depend on others; depend on and believe in yourself. Use whatever experience brought you this far in life to do the work necessary. If you have a desire, a goal, don’t let anything stand in your way. Keep going for it, don’t let things stop you, not even yourself. Just keep going, and you’ll be surprised at what you can do.

Support learners like Hector by registering for the 11th Annual Scrabble Fundraiser for Literacy! Read more about the Greater Homewood Adult Learning Center here.