He found himself working in a restaurant, trying to figure out what the future might look like. He knew he wanted stability, something he hadn’t always had. Maybe college was an option. Maybe real estate. Maybe working his way into restaurant management. The possibilities were there, but the path forward wasn’t clear. That’s when his friend Tara stepped in. She was attending The Excel Center® in Grant County and told him he should look into it. After all, he was only one credit away.
Austin decided to give it a chance.
Even after being accepted, he was nervous about returning to a classroom environment. But with the support of his life coach, the school helped him ease back in by starting with online classes. The flexibility allowed him to adjust to structure again without feeling overwhelmed. By the following term, he was ready to attend in person.
What he found surprised him.
“Being back in the classroom was the best thing I’ve ever done,” Austin says. “The Excel Center has done a lot for me.”
The encouragement he received from teachers and staff made a lasting impact, especially in his English classes. For the first time, he began to feel confident in his abilities. “They made me love it,” he says. “Now I love writing and telling stories.”
Today, Austin continues to work in the restaurant industry, but he’s looking ahead with new confidence and bigger goals. He knows he has options and the belief that he can succeed.
Sometimes, all it takes is one credit, one friend, and one supportive community to help someone rediscover their path. If you’ve been thinking about finishing your diploma, now is a great time to take the next step. The Excel Center is here to help you reach your goals. For more information about The Excel Center or to find the location nearest to you, please visit www.excelcenter.org.