Sucess Stories

Nick’s Story

by Jacqui Mohr
San Marcos Public Library Learning Center

In October 2007, a young man came to the learning center during lunchtime. “Do you remember me?” he asked. Nick had been in the library that day working on a plumbing problem and had just advised a younger co-worker to get his GED when he stopped and said, “I should get my GED!”

When I pulled Nick’s card, I discovered we had met the first time exactly 10 years earlier in October 1997. He was 21 years old at the time, had passed three official tests while at Gary Job Corps, and was working as a cashier at a gas station. Between October 1997 and October 2007, Nick had five more “starts and stops” without completing the official GED testing. This time he said he’d get it done for himself and his family and he did! He completed official testing and his GED certificate was issued November 2007.

Nick had been employed by a plumber under the “Tradesman” designation – no GED required, but there are job restrictions, a pay cap, and no chance for advancement without a GED. Since getting his GED, Nick has taken the test for Journeyman, will take the Master Plumber exam, and plans to have his own plumbing company in the future. I predict he will achieve these new goals in less time than it took for him to get his GED!

About the Author

Jacqui Mohr is Coordinator of the San Marcos Public Library Learning Center (A Community Action, Inc. Partner). She shared this story, because the starts and stops on the road to GED success described here are typical of many adult students.)