10 answers
Bee
Student
Woonsocket, Rhode Island
1
Question
Asked
626 views
Am i able to still get my dream job if i have to get a GED?
Am i able to become a counselor if i have a GED? I am failing school and have to repeat 9th grade my school had told me i was most likely get kicked out and most likely will have to get my GED im concerned i wont be able to get my dream job.
Login to comment
10 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
657
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I was in your same situation. My academic progress in school (K-12) was dismal, and was so bad that I had to repeat a grade.
My parents tried everything, including sending me to private schools. Nothing worked. I did not graduate with my class, and it was over a year before I made up enough credits to finally get a diploma. My marks placed me in the bottom one third of my cohort class. College was a stretch. I was rejected by the universities and enrolled in a local community college.
Well, as it turns out writer Malcolm Gladwell was correct. The American educational system has not recognized that there is a strong link between physical maturity and academic achievement. Matter of fact, as I got into my late teens and into my twenties, I started to progress. In my second year of community college I made the Dean's List. My grades reached the point where I got accepted into a university. I got a bachelors and masters degrees.
This allowed me to eventually obtain my dream job as a college educator. I discovered that adversity made me into a better and more industrious person. So, to answer your question, (Yes), you can get your future dream job. Get into a positive environment, keep looking for opportunities to improve your skills, and ignore those people who say you can't do it. Because eventually things will start click and you will progress to achieving your life goals. Even if you have a GED.
My parents tried everything, including sending me to private schools. Nothing worked. I did not graduate with my class, and it was over a year before I made up enough credits to finally get a diploma. My marks placed me in the bottom one third of my cohort class. College was a stretch. I was rejected by the universities and enrolled in a local community college.
Well, as it turns out writer Malcolm Gladwell was correct. The American educational system has not recognized that there is a strong link between physical maturity and academic achievement. Matter of fact, as I got into my late teens and into my twenties, I started to progress. In my second year of community college I made the Dean's List. My grades reached the point where I got accepted into a university. I got a bachelors and masters degrees.
This allowed me to eventually obtain my dream job as a college educator. I discovered that adversity made me into a better and more industrious person. So, to answer your question, (Yes), you can get your future dream job. Get into a positive environment, keep looking for opportunities to improve your skills, and ignore those people who say you can't do it. Because eventually things will start click and you will progress to achieving your life goals. Even if you have a GED.
This is a really awesome success story ! Loved reading it !
Michelle M.
Nicolas McKissack
Independent artist
72
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Nicolas’s Answer
You're only in 9th grade. I would shape up now and do things right this upcoming school year, though. Know that you can still become a Counselor if you didn't do well in 9th grade, and that specific things to correct need to be done now. I believe if you got your GED you could go to community college still for two years, and with that degree be eligible for a spot in a university, but you don't have to worry. Just because you did bad one year doesn't mean you can't turn things around. If you did bad at one school with a 1.0 GPA for example, but transferred schools and obtained 3.0 for the next three years, that is still a good accumulative that you can use to get into community school. And community school sounds like it's the best option right now for you. Or get 4.0 for the next three years and write about how you overcame 9th grade year in your college essay paper.
Samuel Vojtech
Medical Assistant
19
Answers
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Updated
Samuel’s Answer
There are countless stories of wildly successful people who did not graduate high school or even get a GED. Future favors the bold! They are either mistakes or lessons: learn from them & fail fast (one failure is one less failure closer to success so try to get over it.) Most importantly, believe in yourself! Us that GED as a stepping stone... a GED doesn't look as bad with a certification or degree on top of it.
Mustafa Khan
Neurologist, Theoretical Physicist
36
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Mustafa’s Answer
Students in middle and high school may struggle with learning disorders like dyslexia, ADD, or ADHD. While environmental factors can play a role, it's crucial not to overlook the possibility of a deeper neurocognitive issue. To ensure no such condition is being missed, it's a good idea to consult with the school psychologist and your family doctor. They can help identify any treatable neurocognitive disorders and guide you towards the right support services.
Mr. Khan is correct! Make an appointment to visit your guidance counselor. From there, your parent(s) or guardian(s) would have to sign paperwork for you to get tested with the child study team. This is the case whether you are in a public or private school.
Adriana Rojas
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Bee !
Yes, you can become a counselor if you get a GED. If I were in your situation right now, I would see about home schooling (there are private co-ops) and also see about any on line GED courses so you wouldn't have to be in an environment that is giving you such negative feedback. About home schooling, many people say they can't do it because parents work - it can be done. Education does not only happen between 9 A.M. and 5 P.M. I will refer you in links below. Your parents will have to look into this and approve, too. Rhode Island has specific guidelines, as do all states. Rhode Island requires homeschooling being overseen by the school district, though. You need to be around encouraging, positive people and it doesn't sound like the brick and mortar school is helping.
I would just like to tell you that my mother became a teacher, majored in Art Education, with having a GED before college. Many people go on to have wonderful, fulfilling careers with having the GED as opposed to a high school issued diploma, so don't worry at all.
I also have worked in the social services field for 27 years so I can address your concern about becoming a counselor. In the social service realm, there are many arenas you can work in that consist of different levels of needed education. There are high school level to Ph D. level jobs in this field. As a foundation, look into doing volunteer work at a counseling or social service center just to break the ice. See how you like it. You can see if there are volunteer opportunities at a homeless shelter, re-entry programs (people returning to the community after prison), centers for independent living serving people with a disability, senior centers for inter-generational assistance, the list goes on. Volunteer work will be like a course for you. In the field of counseling and in the social service field, the more experience you have the better and there are a variety of level of jobs and you can advance in these jobs. I do encourage you to go to college for a degree in either counseling, psychology or sociology if you want to specifically only be a counselor. Counseling is used in a number of positions, however.
I hope that this has helped you in more than one way as the issue of your school seems to be a barrier for you. Never stop asking questions and I wish you all the best in whatever you choose to do.
https://www.rihomeschool.com/ Rhode Island Home School
https://www.movingbeyondthepage.com/how-to-homeschool-in-your-state/homeschooling-in-rhode-island/
Yes, you can become a counselor if you get a GED. If I were in your situation right now, I would see about home schooling (there are private co-ops) and also see about any on line GED courses so you wouldn't have to be in an environment that is giving you such negative feedback. About home schooling, many people say they can't do it because parents work - it can be done. Education does not only happen between 9 A.M. and 5 P.M. I will refer you in links below. Your parents will have to look into this and approve, too. Rhode Island has specific guidelines, as do all states. Rhode Island requires homeschooling being overseen by the school district, though. You need to be around encouraging, positive people and it doesn't sound like the brick and mortar school is helping.
I would just like to tell you that my mother became a teacher, majored in Art Education, with having a GED before college. Many people go on to have wonderful, fulfilling careers with having the GED as opposed to a high school issued diploma, so don't worry at all.
I also have worked in the social services field for 27 years so I can address your concern about becoming a counselor. In the social service realm, there are many arenas you can work in that consist of different levels of needed education. There are high school level to Ph D. level jobs in this field. As a foundation, look into doing volunteer work at a counseling or social service center just to break the ice. See how you like it. You can see if there are volunteer opportunities at a homeless shelter, re-entry programs (people returning to the community after prison), centers for independent living serving people with a disability, senior centers for inter-generational assistance, the list goes on. Volunteer work will be like a course for you. In the field of counseling and in the social service field, the more experience you have the better and there are a variety of level of jobs and you can advance in these jobs. I do encourage you to go to college for a degree in either counseling, psychology or sociology if you want to specifically only be a counselor. Counseling is used in a number of positions, however.
I hope that this has helped you in more than one way as the issue of your school seems to be a barrier for you. Never stop asking questions and I wish you all the best in whatever you choose to do.
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
DaSabria Dunbar, RPT
60
Answers
Updated
DaSabria’s Answer
Don't let the remarks from your school discourage you. Remember, in the eyes of society, a GED holds the same value as a high school diploma, whether you're stepping into higher education or seeking employment. Keep your spirits high and persist, your dream job is still within your reach!
Donald Franklin
Field Technician
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Donald’s Answer
Yes you can still achieve all you want to in life with a GED... Don't sell yourself short you can still take some college classes to see if that's what you want to do. Me personally I hated school my whole life until I went to college. Being able to take what I wanted to learn and do in life was life changing. However if college is not for you there are trade schools like electrical, mechanic, or plumber for example. If that's not your thing you can become a Police officer, Fire Department and so much more. What I'm basically saying is sky is the limit and you can do whatever you want . Don't let anyone tell you different
Nija Jackson, MSW, LCSW
Compassionate and Dedicated Social Worker currently seeking Social Work opportunities to establish growth and longevity.
100
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Nija’s Answer
Hey Bee, I'm truly sorry to hear about your current situation. But remember, every cloud has a silver lining and it's never too late for you to turn things around. Reflect on the obstacles that are hindering your progress in school and recognize them as stepping stones towards success. Acknowledging these barriers is the first step in overcoming them and moving toward your educational and career aspirations.
You're stronger than you think and you still have plenty of time to set your goals and carve out the steps that will elevate you to the next level in your journey to becoming an exceptional counselor. As a starting point, consider enrolling in a GED program to prepare for the GED exam. Once you conquer that milestone, you might want to think about taking college courses that will set you on the path to becoming the best counselor you can be.
Remember, the sky's the limit when it comes to your potential. If you set your mind to it, you can achieve anything, even beyond a GED. Surround yourself with positive influences who genuinely want the best for you and you'll always be on the right track.
In terms of the type of counselor you aspire to be, there's a broad spectrum of roles you could explore before making your final decision. For instance, you could consider being a summer camp counselor next year or even apply for an after-school counselor position. This could give you valuable experience while you're working towards your GED.
Don't let your current situation define your abilities. You're capable of reaching the stars and beyond, but it all starts with believing in yourself. You've got this!
You're stronger than you think and you still have plenty of time to set your goals and carve out the steps that will elevate you to the next level in your journey to becoming an exceptional counselor. As a starting point, consider enrolling in a GED program to prepare for the GED exam. Once you conquer that milestone, you might want to think about taking college courses that will set you on the path to becoming the best counselor you can be.
Remember, the sky's the limit when it comes to your potential. If you set your mind to it, you can achieve anything, even beyond a GED. Surround yourself with positive influences who genuinely want the best for you and you'll always be on the right track.
In terms of the type of counselor you aspire to be, there's a broad spectrum of roles you could explore before making your final decision. For instance, you could consider being a summer camp counselor next year or even apply for an after-school counselor position. This could give you valuable experience while you're working towards your GED.
Don't let your current situation define your abilities. You're capable of reaching the stars and beyond, but it all starts with believing in yourself. You've got this!
Adriana Rojas
Educator/Academic Advisor/Historian
10
Answers
East Orange, New Jersey
Updated
Adriana’s Answer
A GED is the diploma that will allow you to continue to study after high school. You can very much achieve your desired goal. Life is not linear, going in a straight line. Many times when a curve comes along, we have to change direction and go a different way. As you complete your GED, start to look at what colleges or universities you are interested in and the requirements to get in.
If you do not know...
County Colleges = two-year degree called an Associate's Degree
College = a four-year degree called a Bachelor's Degree (BA) and a Master's Degree (MA) after obtaining a BA, takes two years to complete
full-time.
University = offers BAs, MAs, and Ph.D. - Doctorate degrees (Doctor of Philosophy in a specific subject). the PhDs are not medical degrees; they are the highest advanced degree for a subject.
A medical degree requires one to go to medical school. You may attend medical school if you complete your BA with the requirements for medical school.
If you do not know...
County Colleges = two-year degree called an Associate's Degree
College = a four-year degree called a Bachelor's Degree (BA) and a Master's Degree (MA) after obtaining a BA, takes two years to complete
full-time.
University = offers BAs, MAs, and Ph.D. - Doctorate degrees (Doctor of Philosophy in a specific subject). the PhDs are not medical degrees; they are the highest advanced degree for a subject.
A medical degree requires one to go to medical school. You may attend medical school if you complete your BA with the requirements for medical school.
Keyston Rice
Supervisor
180
Answers
Lawrence, IN
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
Absolutely, having a GED doesn't have to stop you from pursuing your dream job. Life takes different paths, and there are ways to achieve your goals even without a traditional college degree. Keep working hard, believe in yourself, and gain experience in your chosen field. My journey also had its twists, and now I'm supervising a maintenance company. You can do it too!