A Hard First Step, Amazing Results
Returning to school as an adult wasn’t easy, but it changed everything.
After more than a decade away from school, Miranda Parks made the life-changing decision to earn her GED. What pushed her forward wasn鈥檛 just the dream of a better future; it was her son. She wanted to show him, by example, that it鈥檚 never too late to chase your goals, no matter how far off they might seem.
鈥淭he decision to go back to school changed my life,鈥� Miranda says.
A Fresh Start
When Miranda walked into 懂色帝 (CCC) for the first time, she had to deal with uncertainty, but she didn鈥檛 let it get the best of her. Even though 11 years had passed since she鈥檇 last sat in a classroom, she was ready to begin again. Through CCC鈥檚 College and Career Readiness program, she found the support, encouragement, and resources she needed, and matched them with her own relentless drive.
Preparing for the GED became more than studying for a test. It was proof to herself that she could overcome obstacles and create new opportunities. When she took the exam and passed, it was a wonderful milestone, but it also confirmed that she was strong enough to accomplish whatever she set her mind to.
Pushing Further
The success of earning her GED lit a fire in Miranda. She realized she didn鈥檛 just want to finish what she started. She wanted to go further. After earning her GED, she enrolled in CCC鈥檚 Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology program, tackling a new challenge that would provide her with a specialized skill set and create new opportunities.
Her persistence paid off. Miranda earned two certificates in the program but wasn鈥檛 ready to stop. She continued her education and graduated with a diploma in Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology in May 2025. It wasn鈥檛 easy, but all the hard work brought her closer to the future she envisioned for herself and her family.
Leading by Example
For Miranda, success means more than grades or credentials. It鈥檚 about growth, confidence, and setting an example for her son. After graduating with her diploma, she kept going, enrolling in CCC鈥檚 summer Refinishing Class through Continuing Education, where she applied her new skills to refinish her own car, a shining symbol of how far she鈥檚 come.
A Journey Worth Celebrating
Miranda鈥檚 story is a powerful reminder that changing your life takes more than opportunity. It takes courage, heart, and the willingness to start again. She didn鈥檛 just earn a diploma or learn a trade; she built confidence, resilience, and a legacy of determination that will inspire others.