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Success Story: Amanda

It is helpful to hear about other people who have handled problems and made decisions about their careers. Read and hear about a woman who has made a lot of progress and continues to make her life better.

Listen to Amanda's Success Story

Read Amanda's Success Story


Hello. My name is Amanda. I grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. I went to school but dropped out when I was 14 because I was pregnant. I had my daughter, and we lived with my mother. My boyfriend dropped out of the picture when our daughter was a few months old. We haven't seen much of him since then.

When my daughter started school, I could help her with her homework. But I soon realized that it wouldn't be too long before I wouldn't be able to help her unless I went back to school, too. I was interested in becoming a nurse, but before I could go to nursing school they said that I had to have my GED.

Now I am studying to get my GED at an adult education school. I am also studying online through my school. I have passed four tests and still have one left to go. At my school, I also took a class preparing me to be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). After the class was over, I took the CNA exam and passed it, so I am now working as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Once I finish my GED, I will apply to a community college and start to work on my nursing degree. I like being a nursing assistant, so I know I enjoy working with patients and will be a good nurse. I am proud that I am setting a good example for my daughter.