Student Story: Ismael T.

“I am achieving my goals thanks to ReadWest and my tutors!” Ismael

When I was 17 years old, I had to drop out of high school to help support my mom and siblings. My father’s passing changed my entire world. For the longest time, all I knew to do was work hard and help my mom. I really liked school, but life happened.

Soon after, I married the love of my life and had a beautiful daughter. Then I made a few unfortunate mistakes and served a short time in jail. While incarcerated, I began the GED program, however I was not successful. After my release, my wife always encouraged me to go back and finish school. In the back of my mind, I was always thinking about it and during a stay in a half way program, I obtained a CDL license.

Even though I obtained the license, it was still hard to find a good paying job. It seemed every employer required a high school diploma or equivalent. I was struggling and entered into the 4 Winds Rehabilitation program when I learned about ReadWest Adult Literacy Center. I registered for High School Equivalency classes and a one-to-one tutor.

Currently, I have passed four of the five sections on the HiSET test and am well on my way to passing the last one. I am very grateful to ReadWest, all of my tutors, and those who support this program. Now my wife, daughter, and four boys are all proud of me and I am proud to break the cycle.

Thanks to ReadWest, I am inspiring my loved ones by telling them, it’s never too late to obtain your diploma. Now I am more confident with my education and am working on myself every day. I guess it goes to show you that even a flower can grow from concrete and your past mistakes do not define who you are.

This #Giving Tuesday, please be inspired to give your wisdom, wealth, and kindness to an organization — like ours — that makes the community a better place to live.