MYN Digital Stories: Amanda Bevington

Finding My Education Path

It took me a long time to realize what I wanted to do with my life  in regards to education.

When I was younger, I had a hard time with school. I never enjoyed going to school and learning new things. Instead, school was a place for me to socialize and meet new people. I didn't know how important education was until I dropped out of high school in my sophomore year. I learned that without education I could not provide for my future family or myself.

I had a hard time getting jobs and because I have a criminal record, I was being judged for every mistake that I made as a youth. I tried earning my GED and was in a couple of programs to obtain one, but I had other things happening in my life and gave up because at the time I was not committed. Later down the road, I earned my high school diploma through an alternative school program. I always thought that I was never going to go to college because a high school diploma was enough for me at the time. As I got older and grew in different areas, I learned that I needed to complete higher education if I ever wanted to make it in life without struggling. It did take me awhile and my journey is far from over but I am now 24 years old and enrolled in Edmonds Community College working towards my Associate of Arts degree in social work.

My message is to never give up on your dreams and goals. Remember, anything is possible when you put your mind to it.