Every now and again, we receive something that we simply must share with our visitors.

Missy T. is a graduate of our GED Academy, which is supported in part by a grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. What you are about to read is part of an essay Missy wrote for her composition class at Lansing Community College. For the record, Missy received an "A" for her work.

From the Road of Failure to the Path of Prosperity

an excerpt from an essay by Missy T.

"Sometimes we find ourselves struggling with a bad situation that never seems to get any better. Whether it's a dead end job, a failing relationship, or depressed boredom we find ourselves stuck with no visible way out.

"After spending three years in a broken relationship I suddenly found myself single. With nowhere else to go, I shamefully moved back in with my parents. I remember the embarrassment and anger. Here I was, a twenty-four year old high school dropout making minimum wage and once again living with my mother and father. Then, unexpectedly, I was offered the chance to change things.

"Quite by accident I stumbled across a place called Advent House. I discovered that among other charity programs they offered a free GED class. Not only would they help me prepare myself for the test but they would pay for me to take it as well. It was blindingly clear to me that this was an opportunity I could not in good conscience pass up. I am well aware that there are many people who are not so fortunate. In fact, 75 percent of prison inmates are high school dropouts and like them, I was in danger of becoming another statistic.

"Shortly after starting the class I stopped seeing my living situation as a failure and started to see it as an advantage. Without having to worry about struggling to make ends meet, and the help and patience of the GED instructors, I soon took the exam and passed with impressive scores. Although the decision to take the first step towards improving my life was mine, I know I could not have done it on my own.

"With the economy in a state of decline, adult education has become increasingly important. Instead of seeking to limit programs, such as the one offered by Advent House, we should be thinking of ways to promote them. With education comes employment opportunity. If people can support themselves, they won't need the government to do it for them. All they need, like me, is a chance.

"Presently I am in my second semester at Lansing Community College. I passed my first semester with a GPA that earned me a spot on the dean's list, and hope to remain on that list for semesters to come. I have a stable job as a pharmacy technician, and plan to have my associates degree as a paralegal within the next few years. I am a perfect example of how beneficial adult education can be, and consider my discovery of Advent House the best thing that ever happened to me. They helped me realize that what I thought was a tragedy, was actually my chance to grow up. If I had to pick the most important lesson I've learned this past year, it would be to seize opportunity when it comes my way. If you cower before change, you will forever be standing still. Never again will I stand still while my life passes me by."

Missy, thank you for sharing your story with us. Stories like yours give us hope to continue doing what we do.