By Brenda Joiner, Sinte Gleska University GED Alumna
Brenda at her place of employment, where she recently received a promotion after obtaining her GED
My name is Brenda. I dropped out of school when I was 16 years old. Over the years, I’ve worked at many places that didn’t require a high school diploma or GED, but having one was always in the back of my mind.
I attempted to get my GED more than once over the past 20 years, but I never stuck with it until my health took a turn and I realized time does not stand still. One day I was 24, telling myself I wanted to get my GED, and then I was 39 and still hadn’t accomplished that goal.
When my health improved, I started working at a local nursing home as an activity assistant. Six months later, I was offered the activity coordinator position. I accepted, but one of the requirements for the job was having a high school diploma or GED. My boss, Betsy, asked if I had one, and I told her no. To move forward with the position, I needed to enroll in GED classes.
My supervisors at the nursing home were very understanding and supported me through the entire process. I contacted the Sinte Gleska University (SGU) GED office in Gregory and spoke with a tutor, Linda, who helped me get started. She asked about my strengths and weaknesses in school. I told her I loved math, but reading was my weakest subject. Together, we created a study plan and started with the subject we felt I could complete first.
My routine was busy. I would work, go home, make supper for my family, and then spend two to three hours each night working on my GED modules. When I was ready, I would go to the SGU center in Gregory to take my official tests. With each test I passed, I felt surprised and proud of myself. Linda encouraged me every step of the way.
When I took my final test, I honestly didn’t expect to pass. The results took longer than the others, and waiting felt like it took forever. But when I found out I had passed, I felt such relief. My Language Arts score ended up being the highest out of all my subjects, which surprised me.
At that moment, I had finally accomplished the goal that had been in the back of my mind for so many years: I earned my GED. I completed my GED in November 2025, and today I am the activity coordinator at the nursing home. I am also a certified nursing assistant and CPR certified.
If you are like me, wanting your GED – not just for a job but for yourself – I say go for it. You have nothing to lose. If you want it badly enough, you can achieve your goals. My kids, husband, family, friends, and co-workers were my biggest supporters throughout this journey. I can’t thank my GED instructors, Linda Boes and Jim Marshall, at SGU enough for motivating me, along with my bosses and coworkers who believed in me.
