Student Spotlight: Heavyn

Hi, my name is Heavyn. I am originally from southern Indiana near Kentucky. I moved here a few years ago to try for better opportunities. I have a 6-year-old son and currently work at a transitional job I got through a program that helps people who have barriers to work learn the skills needed to obtain employment. I came to The Literacy Alliance on a recommendation from one of the workers in that program.

My history with schooling was good until I hit high school. Then came a few mental health issues as well as home issues, which caused me to start skipping school and not taking it as seriously as I know now it deserves. During high school I got pregnant with my now 6-year-old son, and I dropped out. Big mistake. Your education is extremely important, and no matter what you have going on, you can succeed if you keep to it and put your mind to it. If I could reverse time, even with what I was dealing with, I would’ve stayed and graduated. You have so many more opportunities with a high school education.

My experience with The Literacy Alliance has been wonderful, full of great and encouraging people. They are all very helpful, and you can tell they want you to succeed if you show that you want it as well. They’re very understanding. This is a class with people I can honestly say I will miss once I am done.

My plan after obtaining my high school equivalency (HSE) diploma is to get into a job that is steady, stable, and long lasting. One piece of advice: no matter how hard it seems, don’t give up, don’t lose this opportunity to succeed, take the help they offer so that you can say you did it. Move onto bigger and better things. The past is in the past, so start making moves to improve your future. I am forever grateful for the opportunity and the feeling of accomplishment it gives. Good luck, and don’t give up. It doesn’t matter if the odds seem against you, believe in yourself. I believe in you.

In August 2026, Heavyn passed the final portion of her GED exam and earned her HSE diploma, reaching the first big goal on her list. Wherever the road takes her next, she’s already proven what she told us all along: believe in yourself, and don’t give up. Heavyn, we believe in you too.