She got herself off drugs and over the next few years thought about different career possibilities such as becoming a phlebotomist or working in a hair salon. But she needed a high school diploma or GED to do these things. During that time, she worked three different jobs to make ends meet.
Her recovery counselor knew just the place to help Nicole pursue her GED: the Delaware County Literacy Council.
Nicole was initially scared to return to classes, but she now says that “going to DCLC was the best move I ever made.”
Nicole attended classes while juggling work, school, family, and her volunteer work as director and head coach of cheerleading for a nonprofit. She squeezed in homework every chance she got.
When DCLC transitioned to online classes because of COVID-19, Nicole had passed three GED subject tests and needed only one more to earn her GED. “I saved the worst for last: math!” she says. Nicole found studying math online difficult, but she had the help of a great DCLC teacher in Duane Belgrave,Sr. “He took time to answer questions, to talk with me, and he never made us feel rushed.”
Nicole’s family—two teenage children, her wife, her dad, and her mom—has been with her every step of the way. “Their support is what got me through when I wanted to give up,” declares Nicole.
Now—with 16 years clean under her belt and a career goal of becoming a drug and alcohol counselor—Nicole will next tackle the course to become a certified recovery specialist and then eventually get a degree in social work.
With her GED firmly in hand and sights set on the future, she’s well on her way to helping others find their own way, one day at a time!
The article above has been abridged. Read the full article here.
