“You can let your past define you, or you can let it refine you. You can let it hold you back, or you can let it push you forward. You can let it keep you stuck in your yesterday, or you can let it be the stepping stone in which you build a better tomorrow” (author unknown).
Kayla Genco’s story has this quote’s theme weaved throughout its pages. As a child, she suffered abuse of various kinds, and as a young adult, she continued to face one obstacle after another. Her story, told in her own words, will encourage you no matter who you are or where you come from, to keep pushing forward and “not let your past define you.”
When I was in the second grade, my mom pulled me out of public school, so I never got to experience any type of school setting that I can remember. I was homeschooled, but I didn’t have the best childhood; there was a lot of neglect, and my mom suffered from mental illness. However, I did have one positive influence – my brother. He was my rock. A few years ago he earned his CDL, which had always been something he wanted to do. My brother was the only positive male role model I had growing up. He has always been my inspiration.
Due to my upbringing, I was not able to earn my diploma. Years later, I tried getting my GED in Illinois in 2011 when I had just become a new mom. I passed everything but my math and only missed it by a point or two. At the time, I was the only income in my house and had to work too many hours to fit in classes again. I had no support system, and I was discouraged.
Life kept me busy with health issues for not only myself, but my son as well. I ended up having liver and pancreas problems, and my son needed different surgeries in addition to him being in an accident. It was one big life-altering thing after another.
Eventually I got myself on the right track and started classes again in November of 2019. At this point, I had more of a support system. My husband and two boys were really encouraging, and I had Missy as my teacher. I definitely recommend her because having a good teacher makes a world of difference.
I took my GED [HSE] test on March 17, 2020, and on April 15th Missy called to tell me I passed. I fully expected to fail math, but I passed all the subjects on my first try! I was blubbering when she told me; it was a very proud moment.
To others who want to get their GED [HSE], I want to encourage them that they’re never too old to try and get it. When I worked at McDonald’s, there was a lady in her 60’s that I worked with. We were both in GED classes and she came into work one day with her diploma. I’ve always had her in mind. If she can still boost herself at her age and not let anything get in the way, then there shouldn’t be any excuse for me!
I worked at McDonald’s and did factory work for several years. In February of 2019, I was able to land a job at Deaconess Hospital working in Environmental Services. I have hopes of moving up in the future and would eventually like to go all the way up to becoming a nurse. Nobody in my family went to college to become anything- not my mom, dad, grandma, cousins- nobody. I’ve always wanted to be a nurse, but since no one in my family has done anything like this before, it would be a really big step.
Having my High School Equivalency has opened up a lot of doors. I have a goal set in mind and am able to be on the nursing path. I don’t have to worry about “I can’t do this.” I’m not restricted. I’m finally where I should be.
When CNA training is available again, I would like to do that because I am interested in the LPN program at Ivy Tech. I plan to work my way up the system in order to reach my goal of becoming a nurse.
I also want to encourage my boys to stay in school and become all they can be. Since I came from an abusive childhood, and so did my mother and her mother, I just don’t want the cycle to continue. I never want my kids to experience it, and I do not want my past to define my future. I believe you’re in charge of who you want to be.
We are so grateful Kayla was willing to share her story because we are confident it is going to have a far-reaching impact and be a reminder that you don’t have to live in your past. You can move on and create a better tomorrow, just as Kayla has. We are extremely proud of you, Kayla!
Kayla’s teacher, Missy Meredith, wanted to share, “Kayla is such a sweet and courteous person. She was always so friendly to everyone in the class. What really impressed me was that Kayla made a commitment and she was determined to cross the finish line. She missed very few classes and if she did it was usually due to her kids being ill. Kayla missed some of her boys’ sporting events to attend class. I could tell that it broke her heart as a mom, but she had a determination and a will to succeed, and she was not stopping. Kayla would come to class after working all day, and she never complained or made excuses. She did her work and often took homework with her. I have no doubt that Kayla will succeed in all of her future endeavors.”