I’m Joseph and I am 13 years old. I’ve always dreamed of becoming a chef. But life hasn’t made it easy for me to chase that dream. I’m the oldest of four kids in my family, and it’s just us and our mom. She works really hard, but it’s tough to make ends meet, so I’ve had to work too.
Last year, during the 2022 school year, things got really tough. I missed more than 50 days of school because my family needed me to work. It’s hard juggling school and a job, but what choice did I have? When I did make it to school, I was so tired I could barely keep my eyes open. I didn’t talk much to anyone, not my classmates, not my teachers. I was just waiting to turn 18 so I could drop out and work full-time. It felt like the only option I had.
But then, something changed. I got sponsored by the Educate the Children Foundation to complete my GED, which was a game changer for me. Now, I can work during the day to help my family and study in the evening. It’s not easy, but it’s a chance to make a better future for myself and my siblings.
Some people asked me why I missed so much school. I always tell them the same thing: ‘My family comes first. I had to work to keep a roof over our heads.’ But now, with this new opportunity, I can work toward my dream of becoming a chef, while still helping my family. It’s like a light at the end of a very long tunnel, and I’m just starting to see it shine.
I got sponsored by the Educate the Children Foundation to complete my GED, which was a game changer for me.