NEW ORLEANS — Abigail Mitchell, 21, walked across the stage at Delgado Thursday evening with a smile on her face.
“It means everything. I’m able to get the career and the future that I deserve," Mitchell said.
Alongside 22 other adults, she obtained her GED. The cohort was diverse; it included older adults, parents, and English language learners, all working towards the same thing.
For Mitchell, this moment represents nearly two years of hard work and overcoming obstacles.
“So, I was trafficked when I was 18. So, I haven’t really had time to adjust myself and try to focus on my career. So, I’m currently in a place right now where I’m able to get my GED and better my future," Mitchell said.
Mitchell doesn't plan to stop there. She has already been accepted into Delgado and plans to obtain a master's degree.
“I plan on getting my degree in Criminal Justice and also Social Work so I can work with like Homeland Security and help women who have been through what I’ve been through and let them know that they’re not alone," Mitchell said.
Dr. Amy Leggette, director of YMCA Education Services, said Mitchell graduated through the YMCA, but Delgado also offers a similar program.
“That high school equivalency credential is the tool that so many people in our community lack to be able to access opportunities for getting out of cycles of poverty, skilling up for the workforce, and then adding their value to our workforce," Leggette said, “It’s undeniable that’s a great determiner of outcomes for their children, is the adult’s educational attainment.”
Leggette said that one in four adults in the New Orleans metro struggle with literacy.
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