Turning Setbacks into Success: Journey from GED to Tech Career

Graduating from Lake Land was like the start of a whole new life. I had written myself off as someone who’d be stuck in a factory, and now I was walking straight into a job I knew I’d love.

Boyd Turnbow arrived to work at the LSC Communication factory in Mattoon in January of 2020, and it seemed like any other day. He had spent most of his life working in factories and assumed that the next several years of his life would be largely the same. As it turned out, that assumption wouldn’t even last the next few minutes. Boyd entered the building, and instead of being met with his regular job duties, he was met with the shocking news that the factory would close within six months. With a suddenly unclear future and two young children to provide for, Boyd decided it was time to complete a long-held goal: earning a GED.

The last time Boyd had received any formal education was middle school. He opted to be homeschooled by his parents after completing the sixth grade, but a housefire forced his family to move and brought an abrupt end to Boyd’s education. From here he began the seemingly endless cycle of factory work, always hoping to one day return to school to earn his GED. With the announcement of LSC Communications closing, he decided that day had arrived.

Boyd began working toward his goal by enrolling in Lake Land’s GED program. Taking the first step was the hardest, as Boyd doubted his ability to adjust to classrooms, teachers and fellow students after being out of school for so long. However, he quickly thrived in Lake Land’s program and completed the GED in a matter of months.

After achieving his GED goal, Boyd set his sights on another: earning an associate degree. Having been a computer enthusiast since he was a kid, he enrolled in Lake Land’s IT Network Administration program and continued to excel academically. He also excelled as an intern with Eastern Illinois Area Special Education (EIASE), so much so that he was offered a full-time position immediately upon graduating in 2022.

“Graduating from Lake Land was like the start of a whole new life,” Boyd said. “I had written myself off as someone who’d be stuck in a factory, and now I was walking straight into a job I knew I’d love.”

In just two years, Boyd had completely transformed his life, turning an unexpected road block into an opportunity for success. Even as he wrestled with doubt, he found his family believed in him more than he believed in himself, and he’s proud to serve as an example of perseverance to his own children.

“My journey back to school was as much for them as it was for me,” Boyd said. “I hope they see that no matter the obstacles life throws at you, it’s possible to overcome them and achieve your goals through hard work and determination.”

EARN A GED FOR FREE AT LAKE LAND COLLEGE

You can earn your GED close to home with Lake Land College Adult Education! Classes are held in Charleston, Effingham, Marshall, Mattoon, Pana, Paris, Shelbyville and Sullivan. To learn more, visit us online at LakeLandCollege.edu/AdultEducation, call 217-238-8292 or email AdultEducation@LakeLandCollege.edu.

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