From Determination to Depression to Graduation: Amanda’s Journey, In Her Own Words
My name is Amanda Washington. I am a mother and a spouse for 24 years. In 2012 I had a stroke at the age of 32. I was not able to walk, talk, or use my right side. In 2019, I tried to go back to school but was not successful. In 2020 my mom Judith was diagnosed with Stage 4 esophageal cancer and doctors said she wouldn’t live long. We had a talk about me going back to school to receive my high school diploma. I said, “With my health and hers I don’t have time.” She said, “We’ll make time. I know you can do it.”
In August of 2021, I decided to enroll at Literacy KC. My mom was my rock and my motivation. She said she would be here to see me walk that stage. But that November, we lost our mom. I lost my best friend. I did try to jump back into my classes because I made a promise to my mom, but I had to call my school and tell them I needed to take a break. They truly understood. Months went by and I was depressed, so my caseworker said I needed to get out and do something. I kept hearing my mom’s voice saying, “Go to school baby girl.”
I started back in August, 2023. My amazing instructors pushed me and gave me positive feedback to keep me motivated. While going to school I had an amazing support team: my kids, my sister-in-law, my caseworker, my best friend, and most of all the staff at Literacy KC. The time came when I was pushed to take my HiSET Test. I had very little faith in myself, but my instructor knew I was ready. I passed all [subject tests] on the first try, just in time for the class of 2024 graduation. At first, I wasn’t going to walk because my mom was not there to see me walk the stage. But she is always smiling down on me for what I did for both of us.
Now that I have my diploma I can apply for any job I want and feel good about it if they ask if I have a high school diploma. I have applied at Penn Valley Community College for business classes, and will be starting the Great Jobs KC cybersecurity program in November.
To anyone who wants to go back to school: Do it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re too old, young, too slow, too crazy for trying. I just turned 45 and I’m proud to say I didn’t give up. I pushed through. I’m glad I had Literacy KC behind me all the way.
Literacy KC is a great place to go to for your education needs. Classes are small and very professional. Everyone is treated with respect. I am proud to call Literacy KC staff my family and I encourage you who want to go back to school to try them first. You won’t be disappointed.