Faces of Success

Meet Curtis Ivory. Curtis is a former GED student in the NTCC Adult Education program and attended classes taught by Ms. Carolyn Pope and Mr. Lawrence Stokes. Curtis received his GED diploma in December 2011 and served as the first student keynote speaker at the 2011-2012 GED graduation ceremony. He was also one of ten students inducted into National Adult Education Honor Society at the ceremony. In addition, Curtis received the prestigious J. Travis Jackson GED Scholarship Award sponsored through the Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club in the amount of $500 to attend Northeast Texas Community College(NTCC). In May 2013, Curtis graduated NTCC with his certificate in Medical Office Technology.

Curtis’ motivation for getting his GED was his children. “I couldn’t tell my children to finish high school and go to college if I hadn’t done it myself.”

During his educational journey, Curtis faced some obstacles. With only two months remaining in his senior year, Curtis dropped out of high school to support his family. “I needed to find a job. With my son being born early, I had to find a way to support my family. I began working, bought a car, and was making good money and decided at the time money was more important than an education. That was a big mistake.” Curtis quickly realized that getting a good, quality education was the key to a meaningful and successful future. “By getting a good education you have the opportunity of getting a better job and for me, I wanted to set a better example for my children.”

Curtis gives special recognition to individuals who helped him during his educational journey. “First, I would like to thank my mother who never gave up on me, my wife who has always stood by me and encouraged me to go back to school. I made a promise to her that before our oldest son graduated high school, I would have my GED diploma, and I was able to keep that promise. I would also like to thank the staff at the NTCC Adult Education Program who played a big part in me achieving my GED and enrolling in college.”

Curtis credits his aunt Sara Richmond as being his inspiration and role model. “I admire my aunt because she went back to school to get her GED and then went to college to become a teacher. I’m proud to say she is now the principal at the Pittsburg Intermediate School. She is still my inspiration to this day.”

Curtis shares some great words of advice and encouragement for current students. “Having your GED will open doors for you, but you have to want it. You will run into some obstacles along the way, but don’t let that stop you. Keep pushing forward. Having your GED is something to be proud of and it’s an opportunity to make the best of the rest of your life.”

Congratulations, Curtis, on your success. We are proud of all you have accomplished, and we know you family is too. You have certainly set a wonderful example for your children and for our students to follow. We wish you continued success!

For more information about #GED or #ESL classes and services, please contact the NTCC Adult Education Department at 903.434.8341.