A Hard First Step, Amazing Results
Returning to school as an adult wasn’t easy, but it changed everything.
After more than a decade away from school, Miranda Parks made the life-changing decision to earn her GED. What pushed her forward wasn’t just the dream of a better future; it was her son. She wanted to show him, by example, that it’s never too late to chase your goals, no matter how far off they might seem.
“The decision to go back to school changed my life,” Miranda says.
A Fresh Start
When Miranda walked into Cleveland Community College (CCC) for the first time, she had to deal with uncertainty, but she didn’t let it get the best of her. Even though 11 years had passed since she’d last sat in a classroom, she was ready to begin again. Through CCC’s College and Career Readiness program, she found the support, encouragement, and resources she needed, and matched them with her own relentless drive.
Preparing for the GED became more than studying for a test. It was proof to herself that she could overcome obstacles and create new opportunities. When she took the exam and passed, it was a wonderful milestone, but it also confirmed that she was strong enough to accomplish whatever she set her mind to.
Pushing Further
The success of earning her GED lit a fire in Miranda. She realized she didn’t just want to finish what she started. She wanted to go further. After earning her GED, she enrolled in CCC’s Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology program, tackling a new challenge that would provide her with a specialized skill set and create new opportunities.
Her persistence paid off. Miranda earned two certificates in the program but wasn’t ready to stop. She continued her education and graduated with a diploma in Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology in May 2025. It wasn’t easy, but all the hard work brought her closer to the future she envisioned for herself and her family.
Leading by Example
For Miranda, success means more than grades or credentials. It’s about growth, confidence, and setting an example for her son. After graduating with her diploma, she kept going, enrolling in CCC’s summer Refinishing Class through Continuing Education, where she applied her new skills to refinish her own car, a shining symbol of how far she’s come.
A Journey Worth Celebrating
Miranda’s story is a powerful reminder that changing your life takes more than opportunity. It takes courage, heart, and the willingness to start again. She didn’t just earn a diploma or learn a trade; she built confidence, resilience, and a legacy of determination that will inspire others.