The company that I now work for paid for me to get my GED awhile back. My job now is to help other people get their GEDs, and my boss wants me to write a paper about how getting a GED changes peoples lives. If I don't get this done, we won't get our grant to keep the program running and I'm out a job. So, mtg salvation, any of you have your GED? If so, how has it changed your life and why?
This is what I have so far, completely rough and unrevised.
I had considered getting my GED in the past, but it wasn’t until recently that I realized just how important it was. Without an education it was nearly impossible to gain employment, and employment was exactly what I needed with a child on the way. My wife, Holly, had learned about a program at South Central Community Action Partnership and talked to me about it. We both decided that we had procrastinated long enough, and contacted Jillian Briscoe about the GED program.
We both did our pretests and worked really hard. Holly had to attend math tutoring here at SCCAP; I sat in with her as I felt that I could use the extra studying. A few weeks later we had both finished with our GEDs, feeling mentally exhausted but incredibly accomplished. I felt like my existence meant something for once in my life and that I could go on to make a difference, which is exactly what I am doing today.
While attending the GED class taught by Jill’s former assistant, I joked to him that I would love to have his job. After Jill received my scores for the GED exam, she contacted me and told me that her assistant was leaving, and that he had mentioned to her that I might be interested in the position. I immediately jumped at the chance to change other people’s lives in the way that mine had been changed.
Took me a while to get mine, simply because I procrastinated. And, to tell you the truth, so far, it hasn't changed much. However, it's going to make damn sure I get into a college that I need to get into, and it's a load off my mind. At the very least, I have a GED. I scored well on it (though I absolutely hate saying that, since it was kindergarten easy). There's a slight bit of pride about that.
Regardless, it's going to at least put me at equal odds (more or less) with high school graduates and get me into college. That is worth it by itself.
It's a checklist thing to do in society as a part of status to consider a candidate "educated" and "committed." It also serves as a symbol for achievement, a rites of passage for people in this day and age. Many civilizations run into rites of passage such as the Catholic communion or Mitvahs for Jews that come of age. Modern secular society celebrates graduations and marriage and the legal age to drink.
GEDs and high school diplomas tell people "you're one of us" in the "professional world," however this is countered by the rise in bachelors degrees and the epic glut of MBA's in various fields. GEDs are just a part of notch toward greater credibility in the professional world with diminishing returns, but still a felt requirement on the path to greater station.
Something I have seen with people in their twenties is this question on the "checklist of life." It drives some people that have unyielding success to go from a lucrative job to go to the third world as a catharsis to "make them feel whole." While the other side of the coin I have seen with people that dropped out of high school have the opposite effect and search for legitimacy by getting a GED and becoming a nontraditional student at colleges and then going into the business world. It's the quest for meaning and legitimacy. GEDs offer the rite of passage through a ritual and test of mettle and commitment, and society confers upon that person a higher station as a rung up. The interesting dynamic is how many successful people want to go deal with the "poorer world," while those that have met with bad decisions and failure seek to climb out of it. However, both want acceptance and a feeling of belonging and seeks to make themselves through the opposite of what they have before they began their journey.
Connectivity and the search for meaning, it's just that powerful.
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Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.
Individualities may form communities, but it is institutions alone that can create a nation.
Nothing succeeds like the appearance of success.
Here is my principle: Taxes shall be levied according to ability to pay. That is the only American principle.
I've found I've been looked down upon, discriminated, and openly mocked. Getting my GED wasn't a choice it was forced upon be by a school that had for four years gave me a schedule that wouldn't allow me to graduate in 6 years. I would have to go to high school for 6 and a half years to be able to walk. I had medical problems and the school bent my program around it. I made High Honors and took AP courses. I didn't however take Gym or an Art, or any Computer Courses(The schools computer's were impossible for me to use). They lead me to believe that some sort of deal had been arranged where I was excused of these requirements. Once I finished my Junior year I decided to drop out, and get my GED out of frustration and the appeal of an easy way out. This definitely shaped the person I am, and thankful is strong reminder of the child I was.
I would just warn High School Students who are having a tough time with the way High School is set up who just want a short cut vs those of you who want to better themselves.
Edit: I suppose that doesn't help with your paper. The look on someones face when your over 18 and don't have a GED is pretty crappy.
Don't write a personal story about yourself. They are asking you to write about how GED changes people's lives in a generalized way, they aren't interested in the details about how you in particular got a GED and changed your life.
You need to ask yourself what is the company asking you to do and why? They want more of their employees to have high school diploma or equivalent, they want these people go get their GED so they can be better employees somehow. They need to convince an investor to give them money to get this done.
You need to convince the investor it's beneficial to them (or to society at large) for these employees of company X to get their GED. You also need to convince the employees and the company leadership to look at it as an investment in their future, both from an individual professional development standpoint, and from the perspective of a company looking to improve the competence and quality of its workforce.
When you look at it from the employee's perspective, you see a set of benefits. You can write a sentence or two about how you came to get your GED and what it did for your career, your marketability, what doors it opened for you and your family. You can also say it's mandatory for some forms of post graduate training, and that it opens doors for your company to send you for continuing education courses that will help you and the company. Without a GED, most colleges won't accept an applicant even if their company says they will pay for that employee to take a course.
When you look at it from the company's perspective you see a complementary set of benefits. you can write a few sentences about how it expands a worker's skillset, and their future aptitude for training and Continuing Professional Education. That the company can help qualified individuals reach their full potential. Employees with a GED can be sent for continuing education courses and certifications that will enrich the value of that employee to the company. A GED also establishes a baseline level of reading and math comprehension for any and all company policy, related training materials, and associated duties. Companies who don't have an established standard for who can read the rules and command a basic set of skills, end up with problems.
When you look at it from the investors' point of view, you see how it helps adult workers reach their full socioeconomic potential, even if they had setbacks during their high school years, for whatever reason. Personal, family, health, or socioeconomic difficulties cause many people to leave or not finish high school. Trying to finish your education after you are no longer in the public school system creates significant financial barriers to working adults. Investing in programs to help motivated working adults get their GED is beneficial and reflects a positive influence in society, and it makes sound business sense. It truly can change someone's future from one of working below their intellectual capacity, to using their talents and skills more productively. This is better for the company too, as it results in more job satisfaction, higher morale, better efficiency, and fosters trust and loyalty in employees who get this benefit.
Just make sure you look over your work. Each section should say something unique, don't repeat yourself every section. Start with an outline of your ideas, end with a summary or outline of your ideas again, phrased differently.
Don't focus the essay on your own experience, just say one sentence about how it helped you in particular, in the appropriate section. Don't name specific names unless you are asked to. This material may be used in an ad or some sort of memo so you don't want to brag or say things about others they might not want said in front of a bunch of people.
Getting a GED for me was great because I didn't have to suffer high school. I could prove I'm deserving of getting a higher education without going through the suffering of communicating....with people. Anyways it made life better for me and I always felt the instructors there were generally nicer that what they pick for teachers at a school...and less stressful.
From the Australian in the audience...what is a GED? (Out of curiosity).
I'm assuming it's something similar to our VCE? (My state + Commonwealth Exams). All graduating highschool sudents must pass them, and it's a good idea to get for the entering the workforce - but not always required.
For some reason, I don't know why, I can't stand people with GED's. It feels to me as if they didn't want to be successful enough since they don't have their diploma. I know this isn't the case and that some people just weren't able to attend high school for whatever reason. However, I just can't seem to shake the feeling that they aren't as good as us high school graduates.
On GED's, I have been told that it is like getting a high school diploma so it can improve your lives in the same way that a diploma does. It helps you get a job. Every job out there requires at least a high school diploma if not more. If you don't have that then you have nothing and will never succeed. That is something you could write about.
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"When you have the power to do something, it's hard not to try."
"The world is an endless abyss and tomorrow
draws you deeper into the darkness."
include how in-order to get into some if not all college programs that you need a High School Diploma or GED. so it would be a stepping stone to a better career and a better life...?
don't put job it doesn't look very professional (imo)
I was actually almost done with high school when I dropped out.
One day I decided that in 7 months full time at $12/hour I could start working towards college and a career. High school for me was seemingly always review, I actually was grading my teachers English papers during my junior year because she would miss a lot of mistakes.
Start of second semester senior year I decided to take the next 4 months and focus on having a larger income to prepare. I dropped out on a Monday and had my GED by Friday.
How has it changed my life? I am in college studying to be a Graphic Designer. I have a solid income and money backed up just in case I find myself in a financial bind. Getting my GED has put me a step ahead of where I WANTED to be, and where I wanted to be was where I am now. I have since set my sights further, but I am on the right track for sure. It has taught me that I can do what I want to do, all I have to do is get up and do it.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
UB - Tezzerator 2.0 - UB
8-3-0
(Decklist and blog updated 4/11/2011)
"Fun fact about me: I home brew my buddies meta deck. He went from having a much lower ranking then me to a significantly higher rating since I started doing this."
This is what I have so far, completely rough and unrevised.
I had considered getting my GED in the past, but it wasn’t until recently that I realized just how important it was. Without an education it was nearly impossible to gain employment, and employment was exactly what I needed with a child on the way. My wife, Holly, had learned about a program at South Central Community Action Partnership and talked to me about it. We both decided that we had procrastinated long enough, and contacted Jillian Briscoe about the GED program.
We both did our pretests and worked really hard. Holly had to attend math tutoring here at SCCAP; I sat in with her as I felt that I could use the extra studying. A few weeks later we had both finished with our GEDs, feeling mentally exhausted but incredibly accomplished. I felt like my existence meant something for once in my life and that I could go on to make a difference, which is exactly what I am doing today.
While attending the GED class taught by Jill’s former assistant, I joked to him that I would love to have his job. After Jill received my scores for the GED exam, she contacted me and told me that her assistant was leaving, and that he had mentioned to her that I might be interested in the position. I immediately jumped at the chance to change other people’s lives in the way that mine had been changed.
Any suggestions? I'm not much of a writer, lol...
I'll grammar Nazi for you...
I had considered getting my GED in the past, but it wasn’t until recently that I realized just how important it was.
I would move "in the past" in this sentence. As it is now, it reads that the thing occurring in the past was the getting of the GED, not the considering. I would say, "I had in the past considered..."
I suppose it sounds awkward that way, too. Maybe my objection here is to "in the past". It could be "I had previously considered..."
Without an education, it was nearly impossible to gain employment, and employment was exactly what I needed with a child on the way
Added a comma.
My wife, Holly, had learned about a program at South Central Community Action Partnership and talked to me about it. We both decided that we had procrastinated long enough, and contacted Jillian Briscoe about the GED program.
Looks good.
We both did our pretests and worked really hard. Holly had to attend math tutoring here at SCCAP; I sat in with her as I felt that I could use the extra studying. A few weeks later,we had both finished with our GEDs, feeling mentally exhausted but incredibly accomplished.
Added a comma. Also, the italics are in conflict about where to put "both" relative to the verb. Maybe either way is correct, I'm honestly unsure. My hunch is that "we both <verb>" is correct. Considered these sentences:
-We had both cake and pie.
-We both had cake and pie.
Perhaps "Both of us had," if you want to sidestep the issue.
Either way, "we had both finished with" should really be "we both were finished with" or "we both had completed." The latter is probably better, it's more active.
I felt like my existence meant something for once in my life and that I could go on to make a difference, which is exactly what I am doing today.
I would move "for once in my life" to the start, so that it modifies "felt like" rather than "meant something". "For once in my life, I felt like..."
I'm also somewhat uncomfortable with "felt like" and "felt that" in the same sentence. It's not technically wrong, but I think it reads better if your parallel structure is really parallel. I think "I felt that" reads better.
While attending the GED class taught by Jill’s former assistant, I joked to him that I would love to have his job.
Looks good.
After Jill received my scores for the GED exam, she contacted me and told me that her assistant was leaving, and that he had mentioned to her that I might be interested in the position.
I wouldn't say "my scores for the GED exam". Perhaps "my GED exam scores." They aren't really for the exam, but results from the exam.
I immediately jumped at the chance to change other people’s lives in the way that mine had been changed.
For some reason I want to put "has been changed" here. I'm not sure I can justify it grammatically, but the present tense on "has" makes it sound more personal. I might also say "in the same way that."
Getting my GED when I was 17 allowed me to join the Army, which allowed me to get my G.I. Bill, which allowed me to get my college degree! I was a big time trouble maker when I was younger but managed to turn things around.
Your nutshell:
GED = some more potential opportunities.
Many homeschooler (me) found out that Texas does not recognize out of state home school programs thus we/homeschoolers have to get a GED instead of a high school diploma.
As for your poor charactor point, I took my GED and went to Community college were I earned my 2 year degree in CRJ. Moved UTSA and earned my Bachelors Dregree in CRJ, and finally earned my Masters in Political Science. Potential oppertunities are found in what you choose to do with your GED. My job oppertunities (i applied for and are in progress) are right now are the following: Game Warden (passed by for better pay), Border Patrol (awaiting PT exam, extremely good pay), and TSA (taking a test this month). Not bad for a GED starting point.
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Your nutshell:
GED = some more potential opportunities.
I had considered getting my GED in the past, but it wasn’t until recently that I realized just how important it was. Without an education it was nearly impossible to gain employment, and employment was exactly what I needed with a child on the way. My wife, Holly, had learned about a program at South Central Community Action Partnership and talked to me about it. We both decided that we had procrastinated long enough, and contacted Jillian Briscoe about the GED program.
We both did our pretests and worked really hard. Holly had to attend math tutoring here at SCCAP; I sat in with her as I felt that I could use the extra studying. A few weeks later we had both finished with our GEDs, feeling mentally exhausted but incredibly accomplished. I felt like my existence meant something for once in my life and that I could go on to make a difference, which is exactly what I am doing today.
While attending the GED class taught by Jill’s former assistant, I joked to him that I would love to have his job. After Jill received my scores for the GED exam, she contacted me and told me that her assistant was leaving, and that he had mentioned to her that I might be interested in the position. I immediately jumped at the chance to change other people’s lives in the way that mine had been changed.
Any suggestions? I'm not much of a writer, lol...
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Regardless, it's going to at least put me at equal odds (more or less) with high school graduates and get me into college. That is worth it by itself.
My helpdesk should you need me.
GEDs and high school diplomas tell people "you're one of us" in the "professional world," however this is countered by the rise in bachelors degrees and the epic glut of MBA's in various fields. GEDs are just a part of notch toward greater credibility in the professional world with diminishing returns, but still a felt requirement on the path to greater station.
Something I have seen with people in their twenties is this question on the "checklist of life." It drives some people that have unyielding success to go from a lucrative job to go to the third world as a catharsis to "make them feel whole." While the other side of the coin I have seen with people that dropped out of high school have the opposite effect and search for legitimacy by getting a GED and becoming a nontraditional student at colleges and then going into the business world. It's the quest for meaning and legitimacy. GEDs offer the rite of passage through a ritual and test of mettle and commitment, and society confers upon that person a higher station as a rung up. The interesting dynamic is how many successful people want to go deal with the "poorer world," while those that have met with bad decisions and failure seek to climb out of it. However, both want acceptance and a feeling of belonging and seeks to make themselves through the opposite of what they have before they began their journey.
Connectivity and the search for meaning, it's just that powerful.
Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.
Individualities may form communities, but it is institutions alone that can create a nation.
Nothing succeeds like the appearance of success.
Here is my principle: Taxes shall be levied according to ability to pay. That is the only American principle.
I would just warn High School Students who are having a tough time with the way High School is set up who just want a short cut vs those of you who want to better themselves.
Edit: I suppose that doesn't help with your paper. The look on someones face when your over 18 and don't have a GED is pretty crappy.
You need to ask yourself what is the company asking you to do and why? They want more of their employees to have high school diploma or equivalent, they want these people go get their GED so they can be better employees somehow. They need to convince an investor to give them money to get this done.
You need to convince the investor it's beneficial to them (or to society at large) for these employees of company X to get their GED. You also need to convince the employees and the company leadership to look at it as an investment in their future, both from an individual professional development standpoint, and from the perspective of a company looking to improve the competence and quality of its workforce.
When you look at it from the employee's perspective, you see a set of benefits. You can write a sentence or two about how you came to get your GED and what it did for your career, your marketability, what doors it opened for you and your family. You can also say it's mandatory for some forms of post graduate training, and that it opens doors for your company to send you for continuing education courses that will help you and the company. Without a GED, most colleges won't accept an applicant even if their company says they will pay for that employee to take a course.
When you look at it from the company's perspective you see a complementary set of benefits. you can write a few sentences about how it expands a worker's skillset, and their future aptitude for training and Continuing Professional Education. That the company can help qualified individuals reach their full potential. Employees with a GED can be sent for continuing education courses and certifications that will enrich the value of that employee to the company. A GED also establishes a baseline level of reading and math comprehension for any and all company policy, related training materials, and associated duties. Companies who don't have an established standard for who can read the rules and command a basic set of skills, end up with problems.
When you look at it from the investors' point of view, you see how it helps adult workers reach their full socioeconomic potential, even if they had setbacks during their high school years, for whatever reason. Personal, family, health, or socioeconomic difficulties cause many people to leave or not finish high school. Trying to finish your education after you are no longer in the public school system creates significant financial barriers to working adults. Investing in programs to help motivated working adults get their GED is beneficial and reflects a positive influence in society, and it makes sound business sense. It truly can change someone's future from one of working below their intellectual capacity, to using their talents and skills more productively. This is better for the company too, as it results in more job satisfaction, higher morale, better efficiency, and fosters trust and loyalty in employees who get this benefit.
Just make sure you look over your work. Each section should say something unique, don't repeat yourself every section. Start with an outline of your ideas, end with a summary or outline of your ideas again, phrased differently.
Don't focus the essay on your own experience, just say one sentence about how it helped you in particular, in the appropriate section. Don't name specific names unless you are asked to. This material may be used in an ad or some sort of memo so you don't want to brag or say things about others they might not want said in front of a bunch of people.
I'm assuming it's something similar to our VCE? (My state + Commonwealth Exams). All graduating highschool sudents must pass them, and it's a good idea to get for the entering the workforce - but not always required.
High school education equivalency.
I don't know if it's exactly what you're looking for, but it's an awesome story. Just remember to cite your source if you use it in an essy;)
On GED's, I have been told that it is like getting a high school diploma so it can improve your lives in the same way that a diploma does. It helps you get a job. Every job out there requires at least a high school diploma if not more. If you don't have that then you have nothing and will never succeed. That is something you could write about.
"The world is an endless abyss and tomorrow
draws you deeper into the darkness."
don't put job it doesn't look very professional (imo)
Removing Gaea's Revenge without DOJ:
One day I decided that in 7 months full time at $12/hour I could start working towards college and a career. High school for me was seemingly always review, I actually was grading my teachers English papers during my junior year because she would miss a lot of mistakes.
Start of second semester senior year I decided to take the next 4 months and focus on having a larger income to prepare. I dropped out on a Monday and had my GED by Friday.
How has it changed my life? I am in college studying to be a Graphic Designer. I have a solid income and money backed up just in case I find myself in a financial bind. Getting my GED has put me a step ahead of where I WANTED to be, and where I wanted to be was where I am now. I have since set my sights further, but I am on the right track for sure. It has taught me that I can do what I want to do, all I have to do is get up and do it.
UB - Tezzerator 2.0 - UB
8-3-0
(Decklist and blog updated 4/11/2011)
"Fun fact about me: I home brew my buddies meta deck. He went from having a much lower ranking then me to a significantly higher rating since I started doing this."
I'll grammar Nazi for you...
I would move "in the past" in this sentence. As it is now, it reads that the thing occurring in the past was the getting of the GED, not the considering. I would say, "I had in the past considered..."
I suppose it sounds awkward that way, too. Maybe my objection here is to "in the past". It could be "I had previously considered..."
Added a comma.
Looks good.
Added a comma. Also, the italics are in conflict about where to put "both" relative to the verb. Maybe either way is correct, I'm honestly unsure. My hunch is that "we both <verb>" is correct. Considered these sentences:
-We had both cake and pie.
-We both had cake and pie.
Perhaps "Both of us had," if you want to sidestep the issue.
Either way, "we had both finished with" should really be "we both were finished with" or "we both had completed." The latter is probably better, it's more active.
I would move "for once in my life" to the start, so that it modifies "felt like" rather than "meant something". "For once in my life, I felt like..."
I'm also somewhat uncomfortable with "felt like" and "felt that" in the same sentence. It's not technically wrong, but I think it reads better if your parallel structure is really parallel. I think "I felt that" reads better.
Looks good.
I wouldn't say "my scores for the GED exam". Perhaps "my GED exam scores." They aren't really for the exam, but results from the exam.
For some reason I want to put "has been changed" here. I'm not sure I can justify it grammatically, but the present tense on "has" makes it sound more personal. I might also say "in the same way that."
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Many homeschooler (me) found out that Texas does not recognize out of state home school programs thus we/homeschoolers have to get a GED instead of a high school diploma.
As for your poor charactor point, I took my GED and went to Community college were I earned my 2 year degree in CRJ. Moved UTSA and earned my Bachelors Dregree in CRJ, and finally earned my Masters in Political Science. Potential oppertunities are found in what you choose to do with your GED. My job oppertunities (i applied for and are in progress) are right now are the following: Game Warden (passed by for better pay), Border Patrol (awaiting PT exam, extremely good pay), and TSA (taking a test this month). Not bad for a GED starting point.
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