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June 30, 2026 - 17:01

For many adults pursuing their GED, learning English, or training for a new career, the biggest challenge is not the coursework. It is finding a way to be both a student and a parent at the same time. Desiree Wilson, a Career Navigator at CTC Adult Education, sees this struggle every day. She works closely with students who are raising children while trying to improve their own lives through education.

Wilson explains that most of the students in GED, ESL, and workforce training programs are parents. They face a unique set of obstacles that most traditional students never have to think about. Childcare is a constant issue. A sick child can mean a missed class. A lack of reliable transportation can force a parent to choose between dropping off their kids at school or showing up for a test. Many students work irregular hours or night shifts, leaving them exhausted before they even open a textbook.

The emotional weight is just as heavy. Wilson notes that parents often feel guilty for taking time away from their children to study. They worry that their pursuit of a better future is somehow selfish. At the same time, they are driven by the hope of giving their kids a more stable life. That hope is what keeps them coming back, even when the schedule is brutal and the progress feels slow.

Wilson's role is to help these students navigate the maze of support services. She connects them with childcare resources, helps them find flexible study schedules, and offers encouragement when the pressure builds. She sees her job as more than just career advice. It is about showing parents that their hard work matters, not just for themselves, but for the next generation.