I would like to thank Phipps Neighborhoods’ Pre-High School Equivalency Program for giving me a second chance at education later in life. I remember walking to their building on East Tremont in the Bronx five years ago, and let me tell you, I was very nervous. I took a deep breath and walked in. My hands were sweaty. I asked, “Do you have a G.E.D. program? And if you do, when can I start?” I was told that first I had to take a test before I could start classes. My stomach began to rumble, and I actually got sick.

The last time I felt that nervousness was a long time ago when I was in high school. I never finished school because I had a baby boy at age 15. In addition, my mom was taking care of foster kids, so I was needed to stay home and watch those kids, along with my new baby. It was hard caring for my son and five other kids. Who knew that experience would lead to me becoming a foster parent years later? But under my roof, I make sure that kids never watch kids.

I had decided to go back to school even earlier, but at that time I received a phone call from Sheltering Arms saying that my little niece needed a home, so she was placed in mine. It was not easy caring for a baby addicted to drugs, but I did it. As a result, my reputation as a very good foster mom grew, so three more children were placed in my home, and I also gave birth to a baby girl. My house was full, with one boy and five girls. It was a pleasure and honor to have the opportunity to raise them all. We have had ups and downs as a family, but now most of my children are grown, going to college, working, and thriving.

Now it was my time. So that big day, I built up my courage, walked into Phipps, and took that dreaded test, so I could get into the pre-H.S.E. class. To my surprise, I didn’t do so badly. I started class that same morning. My math and writing skills were a mess. But today I can help the other students with their math, and my essay on my grandmother’s famous jelly cake was published in New York University’s Literacy Review. I told everyone I know about that accomplishment. It was a breakthrough.

I have passed four of the five parts of the High School Equivalency test. I have only the math part left, and I am determined to pass it. I attend classes in both the morning and the evening, and I study a lot. At times, I have challenges with my health and need to take a little time off—but I always come back. Now I am really close. After I pass the test, I plan to go to college and study social work, specializing in helping children.

Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I had not walked into the Phipps building five years ago. But I am really happy I did! It does not matter if you are young or older. Age is not important. The desire to learn is what counts. Education is for everyone!

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Kenya Livingston writes, “I was born in Brooklyn, and at an early age became a foster mother and a mother. I went back to school about five years ago to get my High School Equivalency degree. I want to express thanks to Phipps Neighborhoods and my teacher Gale Shangold Honts.” Kenya Livingston was also published in LR17. Her essay in LR18 was distributed at a New York Coalition for Adult Literacy and Literacy NY demonstration for Adult Literacy Education funding.