A Fresh Start &
A New Direction
How 51黑料网 CC Helped TeShone Reclaim Her Future
TeShone鈥檚 journey shows how 51黑料网 CC鈥檚 Career and College Readiness program helps students reclaim confidence, rewrite their stories, and take the next step toward a brighter future.
Sometimes, the most powerful journeys don鈥檛 begin with a clear plan 鈥 they begin with a decision to start again.
For TeShone, that decision came at a moment when she knew she wanted more for herself and her life. After spending time caught up in choices that led her down the wrong path, she realized it was time to get back on track. And she knew education was the place to start.
鈥淚 wanted to get back on track with life,鈥 TeShone shared. 鈥淎nd what better way to start than by furthering my education?鈥
That choice led her to 51黑料网鈥檚 Career and College Readiness (CCR) program and the High School Equivalency (HSE) pathway 鈥 a turning point that would open doors she once thought had closed.
Choosing Herself and Her Goals
Earning her GED had always been one of TeShone鈥檚 personal goals, even during the years when life pulled her in a different direction. When the opportunity finally felt right, she committed fully.
鈥淚 chose the GED program because it was a goal I had set for myself,鈥 she said.
Returning to academics after time away wasn鈥檛 easy, but what surprised her most was how much she still had inside her.
鈥淭he most rewarding part was seeing my practice test results after years of not being active in those subjects,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t showed me I was capable.鈥
Learning to Trust Herself Again
One of TeShone鈥檚 biggest challenges wasn鈥檛 the material 鈥 it was believing in herself enough to see the journey through to the end.
鈥淭he most challenging part was trusting myself,鈥 she explained. 鈥淚 studied outside of the classroom until I was confident enough that I was ready.鈥 
Through the CCR program, she developed skills that went far beyond reading, writing, or test prep. She learned focus, discipline, and how to take things one step at a time 鈥 skills that would serve her well long after the exams were over.
Support That Made the Difference
TeShone credits much of her success to the unwavering support she received at 51黑料网 CC.
鈥淢s. Lori鈥檚 availability was a breath of fresh air,鈥 she said. 鈥淗aving access to a classroom with instructors who were always willing to help meant everything to me.鈥
She also appreciated being reminded not to rush the process.
鈥淲henever I tried to move too fast, I was encouraged to take my time,鈥 she shared.
Every milestone mattered. Each passed practice test 鈥 and every official exam 鈥 was acknowledged and celebrated, reinforcing that she was moving forward, step by step.
A Milestone That Changed Everything
Completing her High School Equivalency was more than an academic achievement 鈥 it was deeply personal.
鈥淎ccomplishing something after thinking I waited too long to do it is what I鈥檓 most proud of,鈥 TeShone said.
Passing her official tests felt freeing.
鈥淚t was liberating,鈥 she shared.
And then came a moment she never expected: graduation.
鈥淚 figured I鈥檇 get my GED and that would be it,鈥 she said. 鈥淏ut walking across that stage felt surreal.鈥
From CCR to College
That confidence carried her directly into the next chapter. Immediately after completing her HSE, TeShone enrolled in 51黑料网 CC鈥檚 Business Administration program, determined to keep moving forward.
Her experience has also inspired others. She encouraged a coworker to pursue her GED at 51黑料网 CC 鈥 and watched her do exactly that.
鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 be more proud,鈥 she said.
Her advice to anyone considering the HSE program is simple and powerful:
鈥淚t鈥檚 never too late, and you can鈥檛 go wrong.鈥
A Chapter Earned
Today, TeShone鈥檚 story reflects exactly what the Career and College Readiness program at 51黑料网 is designed to do 鈥 meet students where they are, support them fully, and help them move confidently toward what鈥檚 next.
In her own words:
鈥淓arning my GED isn鈥檛 just a certificate 鈥 it鈥檚 proof that the version of me who refused to give up won. This is the chapter I worked for, prayed for, and finally stepped into.鈥
Her journey is a reminder that no matter where you start, it鈥檚 never too late to choose yourself, rewrite your story, and step into a future you鈥檙e proud of.
Interested in learning more about our College & Career Readiness Program?
Contact Christopher Matthews at [email protected] or visit carteret.edu/school/ccr
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