That Cyster Girl

Hey everyone!

I would like to give you all a back story on why I didn’t receive my diploma when I finished high school in 2013.

After suffering 12 years of public education, I didn’t do the best in school. Between my personal life, dealing with high school drama, and more, I wasn’t motivated at all. And when I did try it, I wasn’t good enough.

During my last year in high school, I ran around making sure I met the requirements to graduate on time, like any other 12th graders. For some of you who are not in Washington State, the state (along with a few other states across) requires all 12th graders to take the state exams (reading, writing, science and math) and a completed portfolio project in order to graduate. Additionally, each student had to ensure to have all of high school credits required for graduation.

As you can see, it can be quite stressful for a high school student who was already going through a lot. I had most requirements in order but couldn’t pass the state math test. My counselor tried to help with an alternative option, where he tried to replace the required  test score with my grade in math, but I didn’t get a high grade to trump the math test. My last and only option was to take the math test again and to hope I passed. In the meantime, I was still able to walk at graduation since I met the rest of graduation requirements .

I took the test again and I walked across the stage with the rest of my classmates. Just in case you didn’t know, you don’t actually get the diploma paper until school is out for summer. I went back to school around the third week of June to get my diploma, not knowing I didn’t pass the math test. I learned I didn’t pass the math and I couldn’t get my diploma. I was upset and felt incompetent when I walked away with nothing.

I did go back and see my old high school counselor to try to figure what I could do. To be honest, my head wasn’t in the game but I still wanted to give it a shot. My counselor agreed that I should attend community college because once I graduated with an AA (Associate), then my high school diploma would not matter. I tried community college, but I wasn’t stable at all. I ended up quitting community college. From that point on, my focus had shifted as I started a family. I wanted to complete GED, but I could not do it on my own because I did not understand the material and I needed assistance.

At that point, I gave up because I knew I couldn’t do it. I continued my life as a mom and a wife with my family. However, it tore me apart over the years without a high school diploma.I felt like I was stupid and believed everyone who doubted me was actually right about me.

Or so I thought…To be continued!

Here is a photo from my graduation