From Doubt to Determination: Proving It’s Never Too Late

March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the strength, resilience, and contributions of women who have paved the way for future generations. At Safer Foundation, we celebrate the women in our community who are breaking barriers and proving that second chances can lead to new beginnings.

For many, the idea of going back to school after years away can feel overwhelming. The fear of being “too old,” the weight of past mistakes, the time needed to fulfill family commitments, and the uncertainty of where to start can make education seem out of reach. But this story proves that no matter the challenges, it’s never too late to take control of your future.

Overcoming Fear, Finding Strength

A mother of three, Asia dropped out of high school during her senior year when she became pregnant with her son. As the years passed, she wanted to return to school but struggled with self-doubt. She worried she had waited too long and that she wouldn’t belong in a classroom.

Beyond that, Asia also has a record, which makes finding opportunities even harder. But when she walked into the IDHS office and saw a flyer about obtaining her High School Equivalency (HSE), something inside her told her it was time to try again.

That flyer led Asia to Giving Others Dreams (G.O.D.), a nonprofit organization in Chicago’s Southeast neighborhood that Safer Foundation partners with. Through this partnership, she was connected to Safer Foundation’s Adult Education program, which provides High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) preparation and tutoring services. From the moment she walked in, she was determined to succeed. Her first questions were: What do I need to do? How long will it take? Can I start right away? She wasn’t going to waste another moment.

Despite initial fears, Asia quickly realized she wasn’t alone. She met others in the program who were also returning to school later in life, some even older than her. Seeing that gave her confidence.

Once started, Asia was all in. She wasn’t just attending classes, she was constantly looking for ways to improve. She took practice tests and passed almost all sections, struggling with only one subject. But instead of giving up, she worked with Safer Foundation staff to create a study plan and kept pushing forward.

Asia successfully passed all four subjects of the official HSE exam. The moment she saw her passing scores, she felt something she hadn’t in years, pure excitement and pride.

A New Beginning in the Medical Field

Earning her HSE was just the beginning. Inspired by her own journey and a deep passion for helping others, Asia is now enrolled in college to pursue an associate degree in Medical Administration. But this is just a steppingstone. Her ultimate goal? To become an OB-GYN, helping bring new life into the world and supporting women through childbirth.

Your Future Starts Today

Asia’s story is a reminder of and testament to the strength of women, their resilience, their ability to rise above challenges, and their power to rewrite their own stories. Women’s History Month isn’t just about celebrating famous figures from the past, it’s also about recognizing women who are making history in their own lives by choosing to invest in their futures.

Through our partnership with G.O.D., Safer Foundation provides High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) preparation and tutoring services to individuals looking to take the next step in their education and career. If you’ve been thinking about going back to school but feel unsure, remember this:

• You are never too old to start.
• Your past mistakes don’t have to hold you back.
• There is a team ready to support you every step of the way.

At Safer Foundation, we provide the education, resources, and encouragement you need to reach your goals, just like we did for Asia. Whether you’ve been out of school for years, worried about your background, or don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

Ready to take the first step toward your education goals? Enroll in Safer Foundation’s Adult Education program today and start your journey to success. Click here to get started!

Congratulations to all the women breaking barriers and proving that second chances lead to brighter futures!