I moved from Los Angeles to Sacramento in January of 2008, escaping the verbal abuse from my husband for more then 23 years. I finally made the decision that I was not going to put up with it any more.  It was a very difficult decision but I new that it was something that I needed to do.

I came to the Greater Sacramento Urban League to use the copier in the career center and I found that they were offering GED classes which I enrolled in right away. I started to attend the GED classes on June 2, 2008 and after many days of classroom learning and studying in addition to staying last for tutoring after school; I began pre-testing for the GED real test.  At the beginning when I started school there were times that I thought “Oh my God, what did I get myself into?” Definitely it was a challenge, but Mr. Lewis was always very helpful, finding ways so I could learn better.

            The Urban League has impacted my life for the better since the day I came here. I knew that continuing with my education was possible. There are students from all different ages. I did not feel out of place I felt that I belong here; a place where I can study it’s where the help is.

            The Urban League has definitely empowered me to seek employment. I have obtained my GED certificate and I have completed the Computer Business Technology class. Mr. Smith was very helpful, he encouraged me and said that I had the potential to gain knowledge from the computer class, especially now with this economy and the competition, it’s essential to have computer skills. I learned a lot, not only computer skills but also life skills. The lectures that Mrs. Barney gave were not only school related but also about real life, real challenges in life. I have learned so much from the Urban League, I have learned that things are possible, that there are possibilities for a better life.

            I believe the reason I have been able to prevail this far is because God has given me the strength as well as the staff and students of  the Greater Sacramento Urban League whom have all helped increase my self-esteem. By completing my GED and my Computer Business Technology certificate I now have the skills to attain a job and further my education. I have an interest in Child Development and want to work with pre-school children and to also earn my teaching credential to become a pre-school teacher.

            I thank all of my family and my daughter for their support during those difficult times; I know that better things for my life are already here. By having a place to come every day and learn new skills that is a great blessing. Attending the Greater Sacramento Urban League has given me the drive to continue with my education.  I learned that there is always something new that we can learn everyday.  I thank all of the staff members in the Urban League for their dedication to helping the community. Now I have also made Sacramento my community.