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Moraine Park Technical College Blog - Imagine What's Next
Adult Education

Student Overcomes Adversity

Justine’s mom wanted her to earn a diploma- she was Justine’s biggest supporter and best friend.

Justine was working toward earning her HSED in the 5.09 program, an option from the state of Wisconsin that allows a student to earn a high school diploma without taking the timed tests. Instead, students work through each competency in the curriculum at their own pace. There are no deadlines or due dates.

Justine was not in good health. She experienced many health concerns and underwent a surgery during the pandemic that did not work. It was very frustrating to have to go through doctor visits and surgery without a support system and then to receive no relief from her pain felt overwhelming. There were extra hoops to jump through because of COVID. Family had to drop her and leave.

Justine worked in a medical health facility and lost her job during the pandemic. Everything was so much harder without an income. Trying to find a job in pandemic circumstances was very difficult.

Her mom had been sick for awhile and passed away as the fall semester was beginning. She was worried she would not be able to finish her goal of earning her diploma. Then her stepdad passed away unexpectedly, too! Justine was devastated! How would she go on without her mom? She was the one that supported Justine the most. It seemed like an impossibility. She was thrown into a world of estates and moving her family’s belonging while mourning her losses. It was difficult to mourn her family properly with social gathering restrictions and everyone so fearful of being in groups.

But Justine came to class whenever she could even if she wasn’t feeling well. She was also a role model to other students. She was kind to them and helped them with their problems and even their homework. They looked up to her. She kept trudging forward, motivated by the knowledge her mother wanted her to take this step. She was doing it in her mother’s memory, no matter how difficult it was.

Justine graduated last month. When her instructor told her she was done, she was incredulous. She couldn’t believe she had made her dream come true. She had been trudging for so long she lost site of where she was on the journey. It was bittersweet without her mom. She couldn’t share in person the joy of her achievement but she knew she honored her mother by graduating.

Next Thursday, Justine will attend her graduation ceremony. Her children and her boyfriend, Mike, will be watching the event live-streamed. Just like during the rest of her journey, she will walk the last bit by herself. But everyone who loves Justine will be watching and celebrating her success with her, including her mom! She is a graduation speaker at this year’s ceremony. She will dedicate her speech to her mom, telling her mom, “This one’s for you!”

If you, or someone you know, is interested in this alternative to earning a GED or HSED, visit morainepark.edu/ged-hsed/ for more information.

May 26, 2021by Annette Meihack
Diversity, ELL, Faculty and Staff, Student Life

Student Success Center and ELL Get a New Look!

Many of you may have been wondering what all the construction was all about on the second floor of the A building. After all the banging, pounding and drilling, the dust has cleared and construction is complete. Come and visit to see what’s new!

The Student Success Center (SSC) is bright and airy – a great, quiet place to come study and have instructors answer your questions on reading, writing and math. Here you can earn a GED, study for your nursing test, get help learning to write papers, and so much more!  We have private study rooms and lots of resources to help you brush up on your skills. Newer additions to the SSC include some fun games where students win prizes, as well as a Student of the Week Award. Continue reading

February 20, 2018by Annette Meihack
Achievement, Manufacturing, Trades

YOU can do MATH!

two male students review notes at table

Do you hate math? Does math scare you? Have you ever wanted to try something but found out math was involved and decided you’d try something else? Are you afraid to try a college program because you think your math skills aren’t good enough to get you through? Continue reading

November 22, 2017by Annette Meihack
Achievement, Cosmetology, Faculty and Staff

5.09 HSED Student Moves Forward

Carol Van Laarhoven speaking at podium

When Carol Van Laarhoven first returned to school to earn her high school credential, I don’t think she really believed she could accomplish her dream. Many around her didn’t believe it was possible either. It was her Hail Mary attempt at succeeding.

Carol attended high school in Milwaukee but never graduated. As many students, Carol struggled through the difficult teenage years, even attempting suicide. It was a bleak time in her life. Continue reading

September 28, 2017by Annette Meihack

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