John's Story:

"My name is John Mills II, and in February 2026, I made the decision to go back to school and earn my HiSET through the NCSD Adult Education & Literacy Program.

For years, earning my high school equivalency was something I wanted to accomplish, but I didn’t have the confidence to take that first step. I kept telling myself that maybe I would do it someday, but life always seemed to come first.

My struggles with school began when I was 13 years old, after I suddenly lost my dad. Losing him changed my life in ways that were difficult for me to understand and handle at that age. School became less important as I tried to cope with everything happening in my life. During my freshman year, at the age of 14, I eventually dropped out.

A few years later, I became a father. From that point forward, my focus was on working and providing for my family. Over the years, I became a husband and continued working hard to make sure my family had what they needed. Being a husband and a father gave me a great deal of responsibility, but it always gave me a reason to want more, not only for my family, but for myself.

I wanted to change the direction of my life, but I wasn’t sure if I could go back and finish something I had left behind so many years earlier.

In February, with the encouragement of my wife and friends, I finally decided to take a chance on myself.

I enrolled in the NCSD Adult Education & Literacy Program, and just three and a half months later, on May 27, 2026, I earned my HiSET.

That accomplishment would not have been possible without the support of my instructors, my family, and the resources available through the program. Funding from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation was especially meaningful to me. Through the Dollar General Literacy Grant awarded to NCSD AEL, the cost of my HiSET testing was covered. That support removed a financial barrier and allowed me to focus on what mattered most: learning, studying, and completing my goal.

Earning my HiSET gave me more than a certificate. It gave me confidence.

For years, I allowed my past and my lack of confidence to convince me that certain opportunities were no longer available to me. Earning my HiSET proved that I was capable of more than I had believed.

It also opened a door to my next goal.

After earning my HiSET, I applied to Mineral Area College and began pursuing my interest in law enforcement. I am currently attending the Mineral Area College Law Enforcement Academy and working toward earning my Missouri POST certification in December 2026.

When I look back at where I was at 13-14 years old and where I am today, I realize just how much can change when you are willing to take the first step.

I went from dropping out of high school as a freshman to pursuing a career and continuing my education, something I used to believe would never happen for me.

I did this because I wanted to better myself, but I also did it for my family. I want my children to see that no matter where life takes you, how many obstacles you face, or how far behind you may feel, you can always make the decision to move forward.

If there is one thing I hope someone takes away from my story, it is this: it is never too late to believe in yourself and change the direction of your life.

My HiSET opened the door to opportunities I once thought were out of reach. It has given me the opportunity to continue my education, pursue a meaningful career, and build a better future for myself and my family.

I am proud of how far I have come, but I am even more excited about where I am going."