Emotional Story: Gaining Self-Confidence and Inspiring Others

Devin holding the Goodwill Acadiana HiSET Graduate Sign

🎉 Join us in celebrating Devin - a loving mom who overcame all obstacles!

Devin dropped out of high school in the ninth grade when she became pregnant with her first son, making him her first priority. Two years later, she'd have another baby boy and aimed to support them as best she could.

For a long time, she didn't believe in herself and struggled with confidence, but her coworkers saw something in her and encouraged her to get her HISET so she could become a Pharmacy Tech.

She hopes her HISET will inspire her kids to finish their education as well, and her achievement comes at a perfect time too, as she's getting married on September 6th 💙

Devin, you can do anything you put your mind to, and you're an inspiration to so many. We're so proud of you and wish you the best of luck in your next chapter!

To our community: YOU made this possible. Your donations are so much more than items. They are second chances, and Devin is proof 🫶

To register for Goodwill Acadiana's HiSET program, visit our Services page for more info!

Emotional Story: A Reminder that Hope Always Wins

Kimbly holding the Goodwill Acadiana HiSET Graduate sign

🎉 Join us in celebrating Kimbly - a woman who reminds us that hope always wins!

Kimbly left high school in the ninth grade after years of relentless bullying. Her mom didn’t agree with the decision but respected it, telling her, “It’s brave when you can walk away from bullying.”

Life would test her in unimaginable ways. She lost her dad to cancer in 2003, a sister in 2017, and during COVID, two siblings on the same day. Even through her heartbreak, Kimbly kept going. She attended class with Ms. Lisa every chance she got, using Learning Express to study and even sharing resources to help her classmates succeed.

Even on one of her saddest days, just hours after losing her brother, Kimbly still showed up to class. She knew he would want her to finish, and school became her anchor in the storm 💙

Since achieving her HISET, Kimbly has already enrolled in Criminal Justice classes at South Louisiana Community College!

Kimbly, your strength and kindness are unmatched. We are so, so proud of you. Your journey is proof that no matter how heavy the losses, hope can still win.

To our community: YOU made this possible. Your donations are so much more than items. They are second chances, and Kimbly is proof 🫶

To register for Goodwill Acadiana's HiSET program, visit our Services page for more info!

Emotional Story: Breaking Records with Positivity

Markel holding the Goodwill Acadiana HiSET Graduate sign

🎉 Join us in celebrating Markel - the fastest ever to complete his HiSET at Goodwill Acadiana!

Markel's life hasn't been easy. Growing up, he often felt unsupported as the only son among four children, even living with his grandmother for a time. By 16, his family moved to Texas, where he faced another challenge: starting ninth grade over while living in a homeless shelter.

Through it all, Markel's strength and positivity never wavered. After enrolling in our HISET program, he went from taking his practice test to passing all five exams in only TWO days - a NEW RECORD!

When asked what motivated him, his answer was powerful: he wants to create a legacy for his unborn baby boy, who will carry his name 💙

Markel plans to become an electrician and HVAC technician with the goal of starting his own business!

Markel, your energy and positivity are contagious, and you're an inspiration to everyone! We wish you the best in your next chapter, and we're here to support you at all times.

To our community: YOU made this possible. Your donations are so much more than items. They are second chances, and Markel is proof 🫶

To register for Goodwill Acadiana's HiSET program, visit our Services page for more info!