A Fresh Start

Everyone who comes to CCC’s College and Career Readiness (CCR) offices has a story. Each story is different, but they all share one thing—they have experienced barriers that kept them from achieving a goal.

Kenneth Humphries walked into CCC’s College and Career Readiness offices after years of struggling in school. “When I was younger, I was in a bad situation with my mother and missed a lot of school,” he says, “and even when I attended school, I lacked the drive to learn.”

The troubles in his home life spilled over into school and he was expelled from middle school. He was sent to Turning Point Academy, but he continued to struggle and failed that year.

Eventually, the Department of Social Services got involved. Kenneth was placed first in a group home and then in a foster home. Finally, his life began to improve. His foster parents adopted him and helped him enroll in the adult high school program.

When Kenneth arrived at CCC, he was behind in his studies. He attended instructor Courtney Edwards’ class and quickly began strides toward his goal. “As long as you are willing to accept the help you can get here, you can go far in a short amount of time.” In less than six months he was caught up and ready to move on and study for his GED.

Students working toward a high school equivalency certificate work at their own pace in the study lab. An instructor is available to answer questions and assist them, but each student learns at their own pace. “So far, I have passed two sections and feel like I can finish the program in a few months,” he says.

Although Kenneth is still working toward his GED, he already has ideas for his future. He says that an assessment test he took showed that he might like working in a career related to the law. He is also considering barbering as a first career because his brother owns a barber shop, and he would get to work with him.

Whatever career path he chooses, Kenneth will be ready because he’s worked hard to create a solid educational foundation for himself in the College and Career Readiness program at CCC.