Student Spotlight: Meet Michelle

Literacy NRV is thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of Michelle Abrams, who has constantly “wow”ed us with her hard work, persistence and determination to achieve her GED goal.  

In November of 2024, Michelle connected with Literacy NRV when she decided to pursue a long-time goal of the GED.

“I wanted to show myself that I could do it -- and to inspire my kids by doing it. Nothing in my life has ever gone right. I hit the bottom and I know the only way out is up, I’m learning that if I want out, I just have to work for it.”

And she sure has worked for it! 

Since November, Michelle has completed more than 300 hours of online study and in person tutoring (that’s on top of taking on a new job!)  Her hard work has paid off and in March, she passed her third test!  She is now studying to take her last test, and the most challenging test for her -- math.

“When I passed my first test, my heart skipped a beat! I thought it wasn’t real that I passed. I was so excited that I fell out of my chair!” said Michelle. 

Getting where she is has not been without obstacles -- there have been days when she was angry, frustrated, tearful, and felt like quitting. But she didn’t.

“I know I’m going to get my GED, and I’m going to have one of those little certificates,” said Michelle, who said she is thankful for her support system including the Literacy NRV team, Montgomery County Social Services, and her family. 

“I’m not giving up. I know there’s nothing that can stop me but me -- and  I’m going to prove to myself that I can do this. And when I get this, I’m going to feel like I’m ten feet tall and bulletproof!”