Student Spotlight: Nation

My name is Nation, and I was born and raised in Fort Wayne. I have 5 siblings and I currently work part time in retail as well as landscaping during the summers.

I came to The Literacy Alliance because I had struggled a lot through high school and had doubts that I would be able to graduate and earn a diploma. I was homeschooled, and around the start of my senior year, I got busy with work and other things in my life and neglected my schoolwork, which led to more worry about schoolwork and graduating in general.

My experience at The Literacy Alliance has been extremely positive; everyone around you always makes you feel welcome and accepted. I have enjoyed the community here and the willingness from everyone to help me along the way.

Once I earn my diploma, I plan to move to the Fremont/Angola area to be closer to a lot of my friends and my local church. As for work, I have a job opportunity at the jail in Angola. I’m unsure of the exact job position, but it pays well, and I will be doing plumbing part time while working through trade school with the intention of going into plumbing full time.

I have full confidence that I will be able to pursue my career in plumbing and retire at a fairly young age, while also investing in the stock market and my own businesses, which I am already working on. The best advice I could give to anyone is don’t stop trying and don’t give up. There will always be someone to help you with anything you struggle with, you just have to find them. I am extremely grateful to The Literacy Alliance and everyone involved who show up and help you every day and truly care about everyone in that classroom and their success.

Way to go, Nation! After working through doubts about ever graduating, he passed his final GED section in mid-August 2026 and earned his HSE diploma. We’re thrilled for what’s next, from his upcoming move to building his career in plumbing!