Student Spotlight: Tiera

Growing up the youngest of four can definitely have its perks, like everyone in the house pretty much spoils you, and you feel like you don’t really have to do things on your own. This is great until you hit the real world. I always looked for the easy way out, and it always resulted in me having to redo it the right way. Once I became a mother, I knew I needed to change so my children wouldn’t make the same mistakes I did and to be able to give them a better life. So, I knew I needed to finish school.

I tried getting my high school equivalency (HSE) diploma on multiple occasions, and I didn’t take it seriously until my oldest said, “Mom, why do I have to finish school if you didn’t,” and that hit me like a ton of bricks. At that moment, I realized I can’t hold him accountable if I’m not. A few weeks later, I applied to The Literacy Alliance. Immediately I knew this program was for me. I just loved how devoted they were to each student’s learning plan. I felt like my teacher Amy was tailor made for me.

“ I tried getting my high school equivalency (HSE) diploma on multiple occasions, and I didn’t take it seriously until my oldest said, “Mom, why do I have to finish school if you didn’t,” and that hit me like a ton of bricks.”

In my first month, I learned how to do math that I could never comprehend my whole life. Now I’m doing these problems with confidence. I was excited to come to class; for the first time, I was eager to learn. Things were finally going well for me. I honestly felt like I could do this. I was recommending The Literacy Alliance to anyone who needed to get their HSE.

Knowing that I am so close to completing my goal of obtaining my HSE has given me a new look on life. I’m not stopping here. I am going further and going to school for my RN once I am finished. When I started, I only had to test out of Math and Reading, and with the support of my family and a GREAT teacher, I was able to pass my reading sooner than the goal I set out to reach. I have always wanted to help people. Now I know that I have the opportunity to get a better job. The world is my oyster!

I thank God for this program, which gives people the tools they need to better themselves. One of the most important things I take away from this whole experience is to Believe in yourself.

Update: Tiera passed the HSE exam in early July 2021. We are so proud of her and can’t wait to see what she will accomplish next!