Happy Father’s Day!
When fathers return to school, they hope to lead by example for their children. They hope their actions inspire their children to stay in school and commit to their dreams. By showing determination and resilience, these fathers demonstrate that it is never too late to pursue education or personal growth.
Read about the fathers who exemplify such growth below:
Delonta S.
As a father of seven and grandfather of several, Delonta wanted to earn his high school diploma to make himself and his family proud.
Delonta left high school as a teenager due to a lack of motivation and caring for his siblings. He attempted to return to school on numerous occasions in the early 2000s, but balancing work, family, and school overwhelmed him. It wasn’t until he met his wife in 2011 that he felt truly motivated to reach the finish line.
He enrolled in other online high school diploma programs, but they didn’t stick. So, when his wife told him about AoH, he decided to give it a try. He began AoH’s National External Diploma Program (NEDP) in 2016 and liked how the program could be completed on his own schedule at his own pace.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Delonta faced more challenges. Having to complete his NEDP portfolio at home while his kids attended school from home was distracting at times. Combining this and life’s additional stressors took a toll. Yet, Delonta persevered, returning to AoH in 2023.
“I’d be on the phone with Ms. Dawn (Lead NEDP Advisor/Assessor Dawn Williams), and she asked if I was coming back to school. She said, ‘I’m rooting for you’ and told me to stay focused. That made me realize, if she, my family, and my kids were rooting for me, I had to root for myself.”
His support system empowered him, motivating him to keep working hard. Delonta was successful, earning his high school diploma this June.
Delonta hopes his kids are inspired by his achievement and that it’s never too late to finish what you started.
“No matter when and where, you can do it.”
He continues to hold his statement true, with plans to enroll in college courses in business and professional photography.
Tre H.
Unlike Delonta, Tre entered fatherhood while investing in his future.
Tre originally left high school due to challenges that created a barrier in his life. To overcome these obstacles, Tre tried working to establish himself and his career. Unfortunately, Tre faced homelessness, relied on public assistance, and held various jobs to make ends meet. He realized going back to school would help him gain economic mobility and create a more stable life for himself, which is especially important now that he is responsible for caring for his child.
He resumed his educational journey at the Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) in Maryland. While at YOC, he became a father, learning how to balance school and to care for his child. He relied on his faith to push him forward, motivating him not to give up on his education. In return, Tre passed three GED subject exams at YOC.
Now a Washington, D.C. resident, Tre continues to work towards his GED at AoH. He has one more test subject to complete (mathematics) to earn his high school diploma. He hopes that his achievement will inspire his child to never give up on their dreams.
“Don’t let anyone tell you what to do with your life, and don’t let anyone scare you or push you away from your dreams and your goals. Just go in with hope and never give up.”
Conclusion
The commitment to returning to school not only strengthens a father’s own future but also creates a powerful message for their children. Despite the challenges Delonta and Tre faced, they overcame them with effort and dedication. In doing so, they encourage their children to believe in themselves and strive for long-term success.