Jennifer, GED graduate
At age 39, Jennifer from Florida accomplished something she once thought was out of reach—earning her GED diploma . The GED (General Educational Development) offers a second chance for people in the US to prove their mastery of high school-level subjects, opening doors to new opportunities, even if they didn’t finish high school the traditional way.
With her GED in hand, Jennifer is preparing to enroll in a nursing course at her local vocational training center.
“For so long, I thought I wasn’t smart enough”
Jennifer had been busy raising three children as a single mother. “My focus was always on them—working, surviving, and doing the best I could,” she shared. “Finishing school wasn’t something I could prioritize back then.”
She first left high school at age 17 to get married and start a family. As life unfolded—with all its responsibilities and challenges—her own education stayed on the back burner. But everything changed when she discovered that her health insurance was offering to cover the cost of GED preparation and testing for eligible members.
“It was the first time in years I felt like this might actually be possible,” Jennifer said. “It wasn’t just free access to classes—it was the encouragement I needed to believe in myself.”
With her children growing older and more independent, she saw an opportunity to do something for herself—and to be a role model. She began the GED program from home, studying at her own pace, often late at night or during the school day.
“For so long, I thought I wasn’t smart enough,” she admits. “But this time, I felt supported. I had a tutor, I used Facebook groups and YouTube to help, and even my daughter—who’s great at math—coached me through tricky problems.”
Her journey wasn’t easy. Math was especially tough. But giving up wasn’t an option. “If I expected my kids to keep going, how could I quit?” she said.
When she passed her final test—math—she cried tears of joy. “It felt amazing. We all went out for dinner to celebrate. That diploma is now hanging on my wall, and I smile every time I see it.”
Opening up a new future
Today, Jennifer continues to care for her elderly father and her son, who has autism. She works as a local delivery driver to help support her family, but her ambitions are higher than ever. She’s preparing to enroll in nursing training this year, and she’s determined to keep going.
“Getting my GED didn’t just change how I see myself—it changed what’s possible for my future.”
For Jennifer, the journey to a high school credential came later in life—but she’s proof that it’s never too late to invest in yourself.
“Finishing high school 20 years late was the coolest thing I’ve ever done,” she said. “I tell people now: I graduated. And that feels so good to say.”
GED is just another way Pearson supports people in their lifelong journey of learning and upskilling. Find out more about our inspiring GED graduates.