Holly passed the HiSet high school equivalency exam in October after attending HiSet classes for three years at the Adult Learning Center at Community Action Inc in Haverhill.
Holly was inspired to give the HiSet a try after a good friend of hers passed the test and then went to college. Holly started classes twice but needed to stop each time because of the challenges of balancing motherhood and her studies. When her children reached school age, she was determined to work hard and do whatever it took pass the HiSet. She wanted to be a role model for her children and obtain a credential that would enable her to get a good job and possibly attend college in the future.
She did homework every night and extra work whenever she could. As she moved along the HiSet curriculum and classes, she realized that she was learning because she was able to help other students with the material and with motivation to persist. Holly became a true model of perseverance in learning for both her children and her fellow classmates.
Holly said that the most positive aspects of studying at Community Action are the great teachers and supportive peers. She feels that the small, friendly class environment and understanding staff made success possible. As she got close to exam time, she found the practice tests to be very motivating.
Holly is the second person in her family to obtain a high school credential. She is thrilled that she can help her children with their homework, especially that she can help her son with Algebra. “I never could have done that before,” she said proudly.
When asked what advice she would give to incoming students, Holly said, “Believe in yourself. Make sure to come to class every day, try hard, and participate in class discussions. Anything is possible.”
The HiSET program is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The program is offered both in classroom at Community Action and online. Community Action, Inc. (CAI) provides resources and opportunities for individuals, families and communities to overcome poverty. CAI envisions strong, thriving communities free of poverty and builds hope and offers assistance with respect and understanding.