Student Spotlight: Cayla G.

My Educational Journey by Cayla G.

If you had told me a year ago today that I would be taking the final steps to begin college this year, I would have laughed. There is no way someone like me could have taken on something like that. I was a high school drop out with a full-time job and bills that I couldn’t keep up with—every decision I had made up until this year had only been for the present. I had neglected my future severely.

When I was 16 years old, I began working at my first job. Growing up in a very low-income household, I knew the second I could drive. I could find a way to make money. I quickly worked my way up and began managing a restaurant by the age of 19, and by age 21, I was successfully running a second, busier restaurant.

I made the devastating realization this year that the company I had spent six days a week at for eight years just wasn’t what I wanted anymore. Working my life away and still struggling to make ends meet is not going to be my story. I began looking for different options this May, and I discovered that if I wanted to make decent money, I would need to go back to school. That is when I found The Literacy Alliance.

I was quickly welcomed into Zoom classes at the beginning of June. I met Michael and Francine from The Literacy Alliance, and they both wasted no time motivating me. No matter what I needed help with, they were both there, eager to support and educate me. With enough hard work, effort, and support, I received my High School Equivalency in July.

Mike and Francine opened my eyes to the possibility of furthering my education and taking the college classes I need to join the medical field. This year has been a big turn-around for me, and I’m excited to start working towards my dream career in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

A year ago today, I didn’t think my goals were possible. Through The Literacy Alliance, I have found that my hard work does pay off, and if I want something bad enough, it is possible. I am thrilled to begin my journey at Ivy Tech. Although it won’t be easy, I know it will be worth it. I want nothing more than to make my family and my new support team proud.

“A year ago today, I didn’t think my goals were possible. Through The Literacy Alliance, I have found that my hard work does pay off, and if I want something bad enough, it is possible.”
— CAYLA