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Ayjia Autry and Gavin Burkes

Two newly graduated ABE recipients are pictured with their child against a neutral background. Ayjia Burkes wears a red shirt and has curly brown hair and Gavin Burkes is wearing a Puma hoodie and has blonde hair and beard. The baby is in the center, dressed in denim as the parents lovingly look on. The family is indoors, with dark tables and chairs visible in the background.

January 21, 2020

Gavin Burkes and Ayjia Autry came to our Adult Education class early 2019 soon after they had their baby girl. Even though they were tired from all the things that come along with being new parents and had no money for babysitting or gas, they were still able to make coming to school a priority with the help of their families. Gavin and Ayjia came to every class together and were there to encourage one another throughout the entire HSE process – from the first day to the test day.

Ayjia shared that she was scoring higher than Gavin on the HSE readiness tests and became concerned that he may not pass the HSE test. When their instructor, Marsha Stowe, determined that they were both ready to take the test, they were signed-up to test on the same day. A couple weeks later when they received the call that they had BOTH earned their HSE on the FIRST try, all of Ayjia’s worries were put to rest. They said that was a very proud moment! The photo below, taken at their graduation ceremony in July of 2019, captures their joy and excitement perfectly!

Both Gavin and Ayjia stress, “It is so so SO important to get your HSE because you can’t do much without it. It’s definitely doable, and once you get your education, your options multiply.” Earning their HSE made such an impact on them that they decided to come back months later (after Ayjia found us on Facebook) and share their story; they want others to know the value of having an HSE.

“I dropped out of school on my 18th birthday. I didn’t think it [HSE] was that important until I got it,” Gavin explained. Shortly after he received his HSE, he enrolled in barber school. For the past several months, he has been training to become a barber and will graduate from his program in February of 2020. Once he graduates, he will begin working at his mom’s barber shop. Gavin said, “I am so glad I have my HSE because I wouldn’t have been able to get into barber school without it.”

While Gavin has been in school, Ayjia has worked at a daycare and been busy being a mom to their daughter and taking care of her dad as he is recovering from some serious health complications. She would like to eventually enroll in our CNA program, but is making the noble choice to put her family first. She shared, “I know I’m not using my HSE right now, but it is nice knowing that when I do want to continue in my education or get a better job, the options will be there.”

Gavin and Ayjia with their daughter (left) and niece (right).

Thanks for sharing your story, Ayjia and Gavin!! Congratulations on all of your accomplishments!