#"Know Who You Want to Be"
Samuel Phiri moved from Africa to the United States in 2021. It can be hard to start again in a new country, especially without a GED.
"This is my word to the youngsters out there: Whenever you have time, when you're still young, go back and do school. Know who you want to be. It can only be you," he said. "You can only have one dream. If you don't take it off the ground, it will never leave."
"Dream Big and You Will Achieve"
"I'm very thankful for the support that [Jacksonville Public Library] has given me," Samuel said.
At first, he wasn't sure where to start. He started asking around, researching. "I wanted to inquire about how to get a high school diploma." At first, he thought he'd have to pay. Thankfully, someone told him about the FREE program at Jacksonville Public Library's Center for Adult Learning.
"I spoke to [one of the instructors] on the phone. He encouraged me... gave me all that it takes," Samuel said. "And that pushed me to be in class."
Soon, he started taking classes online via Zoom. "It was a different way of learning. It was exciting [but] it meant that I had to start all over again. I had to discipline myself to study and get it right."
Thinking about signing up?
Hear directly from Samuel:
In the same interview, he told us, "I want to pursue a degree in marketing, filmmaking or acting. I've not decided yet [which one]... but I know I'm going to get a degree very soon."
Thank you for sharing your dreams with us, Samuel!
#Do you, a family member or friend need help preparing for the G.E.D. Test®?
Sign up for FREE classes with trained instructors that will help you pass all four test subjects.
Classes are offered in the daytime, evenings, and on Saturdays to fit your busy schedule. Whether your end goal is the military, a better-paying job, higher education, or just proving to yourself that you can accomplish a goal: Our staff will help you make a plan.
We've helped hundreds of other adult learners just like Samuel.
Get Your Dream Off the Ground
Schedule an intake appointment and get started right away!
For questions or to schedule your appointment over the phone, call the Library’s Center for Adult Learning staff at (904) 255-6135.
