High School Graduate

I became a High School Graduate twenty years ago today. My diploma has today's date on it but I didn't actually receive it until two weeks later on July the 5th. I dropped out of High School in 1986 but years later, I took a High School correspondence course through the mail with ICS (International Correspondence Schools). A few people thought that what I received was a GED. It's not a GED. It's a regular High School diploma.

While I took the correspondence course, I never once failed. That made me proud. The lowest grade that I received was an 80. ICS put out an Honor Roll a few times each year. Because my grades were so good, my name appeared on the Honor Roll at least four times.

I began taking the correspondence course in April of 1993 and I graduated twenty-six months later. When I began, I remember that I was in a hurry to study Science. Luckily, Science was the second subject that ICS required its High School students to study. Studying and getting passing grades at this school was no easy task but I did succeed.
 
When I dropped out of High School nearly thirty years ago, it was a mistake. But when I dropped out, I promised myself that I would one day graduate. I'm happy and very proud that I kept that promise. If you are in High School, don't make the same mistake that I made. Don't drop out.

Reviews

[Jonathan Lee]

Just out of curiosity, what tangible benefits have you had from getting your diploma? I've only been asked to produce my diploma once, and that was for the lowest paying call center job I've ever had. Otherwise, no one's really cared.

I got my GED at 17 and took some college, obtained a couple of trade certifications, and I've had a good bit of work experience. I currently work as a software engineer, but I still make less money than my brother who has never obtained any kind of High School diploma and works as a manager for an automotive company.

I have no intention of belittling your achievement (congratulations, btw), I just genuinely wonder if it's opened any doors for you. Are you planning on pursuing some higher schooling now?