Mike S. was referred to Southern Tier Traveling Teacher, Inc., an Allegany County United Way funded program, in February 2011. He heard about our services through his grandmother and aunt, both of whom had gone through our GED program about 12 years earlier. Mike did not finish high school due to personal issues. He knew that if he was to better his opportunities for a good career, he would need to continue on with his education. With his family’s encouragement, Mike decided to enroll in Traveling Teacher’s GED preparation program. He also had a goal to attend college.
Mike started regular meetings with his tutor. He was eager to learn everything he could. He did his homework assignments and always had questions ready for his tutor if he didn’t understand part of an assignment. Although most of the tutoring time was spent on math and essay writing, Mike enjoyed learning from the books in all subject areas of GED preparation. He quickly improved his math and writing skills and in a short time he was ready to take the exam.
Mike took the GED exam three months after he started the program. He obtained his diploma in June 2011. Mike came to the graduation ceremony that is held annually for students who have earned the NYS High School Equivalency Diploma. At the graduation ceremony, he won one of the “Outstanding Achievement” awards based on his GED exam scores. His mother, other family members and his tutor were there to cheer him on and they were all very proud of him.
Mike’s goal from the beginning was to go to college to prepare for a successful future. He applied to and was accepted at Alfred State College in Alfred, NY. He enrolled in the Computer Information Systems program and started classes in August 2011. Mike is currently in his second semester in that program.
Thanks to Allegany County United Way funding, students like Mike are able to obtain the educational services needed to become successful.