Jessica Burke
November 05, 2020
Since I got married and had children at a very young age, I did not graduate from high school. Instead, I worked and took care of the babies. My three boys, Lake, Logan, and Landon, mean the world to me.
There have been many challenges throughout my life – the biggest one being when my son, Logan, was tragically killed at age sixteen. He and his friend were playing with what they thought were unloaded guns when his friend accidentally shot him. Logan was the biggest motivation for me to get my HSE.
I also wanted to get my HSE for myself. It is the first thing I’ve done in years since my son died. In the past, I’ve had trouble committing to anything; I’ve been scared, but I decided it was time to turn a new page.
I’ve attempted to get my HSE (GED at the time) three different times before this one. The last time I took the GED test was in 1995; I tried and failed. I became afraid of failure. This time around was different though. I was determined that I was going to get it. I started classes in September (2020) and was able to take the test in October (2020). It was a quick process, but I had a lot of support from my teacher, Alex, and felt ready to go for it.
When I found out I passed all five subjects on the HSE Test, I was so happy! Having my HSE means that I can finally move on. I became a CNA in 2008 and have worked in many nursing homes over the years. My plan is to get my Q (QMA) and eventually become a registered nurse. My ultimate goal is to travel. Logan wanted to become a doctor and travel, so I am going to become a nurse and travel.
My kids are my life and why I do what I do. They support and encourage me, too. Lake (now 23) even bought a house for our family recently. When my boys asked me why I didn’t get my HSE before, I told them that I had already tried and failed. I was too afraid of failure. It was embarrassing to fail. I didn’t even tell them at first that I was going back to school, but then I needed their help on my homework (haha)!
Now I can no longer say I’ve failed at everything I’ve done. My family threw me a graduation party the week I passed my HSE. My cake said, “Congrats! You did it!”
My advice to others who want to get their HSE is to keep going, and exactly like I always tell my boys, “Think smart, not stupid!”. Live a life that you and those closest to you can be proud of, even if it takes you years to get there.
“Jessica came into class several times uncertain of whether or not she would complete her HSE. It was a goal she really wanted to reach, but in addition to attending school, she was working long hours (averaging 60-70 a week) and supporting her family. Nevertheless, day after day, she kept showing up ready to conquer whatever subject we were working on. Jessica has faced many challenges over the years, but now she is able to celebrate this well-deserved victory! I know she has made her boys – all of them – extremely proud. I am so excited for her and happy she can move on to the next chapter of her life.” -Alex Neikirk, Jessica’s teacher