Despite the Obstacles

 Tamara G. has faced numerous challenges throughout her life, from growing up in foster care to spending time in the justice system. Despite these obstacles, she remained determined to change the course of her life.

Due to instability at home, at the age of 14, Tamara dropped out of high school. While she attempted to pass the GED exam at age 17, she narrowly missed it by four points due to struggles with math.

In August 2022, determined to make a change, Tamara enrolled in Goodwill’s NexStep Alliance program to pursue her Kansas High School Diploma.

“When I entered NexStep, I had been out of school since I was 14 years old, approximately 26 years ago. For me, life happened. NexStep was a journey that I wanted to quit. But I didn’t. They never let me give up. The thought of bettering myself and my youngest daughter kept me going.”

Tamara found her place at our City Center Campus. The instructors there, specifically Liz Enlow, provided the hands-on guidance and support she needed to pass the math portion of the GED exam. Liz is NexStep’s math specialist and has helped countless students overcome their fear of math.

Through determination and resilience, Tamara graduated in May 2024. Not only that, but she was also a student speaker at the NexStep graduation this past spring.

Now, Tamara aspires to become a drug and alcohol counselor. She currently works within the retail convenience sector and is mentoring others.