Student Spotlight: Justin

Hello, my name is Justin, and I was born and raised in Fort Wayne. I come from a large family. In total, I have eight siblings. I have four children, three boys ages 9, 8 and 4, and a daughter who is 5 years old. I am expecting a new addition to the family in September. I got married at 21, and we were together until I was 27 but ended up divorcing. As of now, I have a girlfriend, and we have been together for six months. I currently work for a local company, and I love it. I have been working in their distribution center there for nine months.

I came to The Literacy Alliance looking to finish my education. In the past, I put everything before my education. I went through school up to the 12th grade and just decided other things were more important. Doing so led me down a path I never intended on taking, but I can say although I took the hard way, I learned a lot and can now tell others why it is so important to stay in school and get the best education you can. By attending The Literacy Alliance program, I feel more confident about how the future will unfold when I finish the program. I am very optimistic about taking the HSE exam now.

“Anyone who did not finish school and wants to get back on track should attend The Literacy Alliance.”

My time at The Literacy Alliance has been a great experience, although shorter than I expected. They make you feel welcome and comfortable, making it easier for you to learn and interact with everyone in the class. While here, I also got help making a resume I can now use to obtain a better job when needed. I also learned some things about my personality I never noticed before.

Once I obtain my HSE, I want to get into a recording arts school or program and take on some business classes to prepare for my main goal, which is to open a nonprofit organization for the misguided youth based on music therapy. Music has always helped me get through hard places in life, and I believe it can do the same for many others. Also, this is a way I can help guide the next generation of youth away from negative things that might adversely affect their futures.

Anyone who did not finish school and wants to get back on track should attend The Literacy Alliance. I am well on my way to getting my HSE, thanks to the wonderful people here. Even after everything I have gone through to get to where I am today, I know that my future will be very bright, and I look forward to making everyone proud and doing great things. Thank you so much to everyone at The Literacy Alliance.

Edit: Justin achieved his goal and earned his high school equivalency diploma in the summer of 2021.