Sucess Stories

Juan’s Story: GED-to-College Success

by Jacqui Mohr
San Marcos Public Library Learning Center

Juan’s father’s death when Juan was 16 years old hit him hard; it was an emotional and financial blow. An only child, he quit school so he could support his mother and himself. His mother’s death when he was 23 left him without family support. Five years later Juan knew that the direction he wanted his life to take would include an education. The first step was to get his GED certificate. That’s when we met Juan. It didn’t take long for him to prepare for the official GED examination, and he completed the official testing with a GED average of over 700.

With his GED certificate in hand he spoke with the admissions office of Texas State University, where he was first advised, because he was a GED recipient, to start at the community college. But that wasn’t what Juan wanted to hear; he wanted to go to his “hometown” university. Out-of-district tuition at the community college and the long commute to required courses while holding a full-time job did not fit with the plan Juan had made for himself. Under the guidance of the husband of one of his GED teachers, Juan completed the application process for Texas State, was accepted, and was on the Dean’s List his first two semesters. Juan is considering a teaching career when he completes his degree.

About the Author

Jacqui Mohr is Coordinator of the San Marcos Public Library Learning Center (A Community Action, Inc. Partner).