Meet Natalie Sanchez and read about her decision to pursue her education at The Learning Center. 

I was 15 when I dropped out of High School. Going back to school was always in the back of my head, but I kept putting it off. I would say, “I’ll do it tomorrow” but I never did. For a long time, my goals were to work. I’m a single mother, and sometimes providing for my 10-year-old daughter was hard. Eventually, I knew it was time to stop procrastinating. I put my feet on the ground and enrolled in the GED program at The Learning Center. I knew that if I didn’t, I wouldn’t find a higher paying job and I would be stuck working minimum wage.

I’ve been in the program for a year and I’m very close to earning my diploma. I’ve passed three sections of the test already and I’m only a few points away from passing the other two sections. The staff here at The Learning Center is really supportive. I was in another program before coming here, and I felt like I was on my own. But the teachers and tutors here guide you. This program has changed my life and my career goals.

After I finish, I want to go to college for Nursing. We went on a field trip to Malcolm X College and I saw the brand new hospital simulator on the 8th floor. I immediately knew that’s what I wanted to do. I want to have my own career and be a role model for my 10-year-old daughter. When I signed up for classes, I told myself, “whatever happens, happens.” But now I can say the program has changed my life and my future. I’m doing things that I never thought I would be doing. Going back to school has definitely been worth it.

-Natalie Sanchez  

Meet Cassandra Ahmed and read about her experience at The Learning Center.

I enjoy being a student at The Learning Center because each day I come I get to work with my classmates and if I am struggling and do not know how to do something a tutor steps in to help me. I am very grateful for them and for my instructors as well. While I was attending here on my fifth semester I was able to give an employer a recommendation letter in place of my GED certificate. I have also passed the constitution test. I am working toward setting a date to take the GED test. Nothing else matters to me than being focused, having determination, and the willingness to learn. I am so thankful for each person that gives encouragement and inspiring words through their lips as I continue my study. I am very thankful to be a part of The Learning Center and for the support they give me.

-Cassandra Ahmed