By Connor Adams Sheets
Diplomas may have come a little later or in an unconventional manner for the 2011 graduates of the YW-Access program, based at the YWCA of Queens in Flushing, but they joined a list of very successful people who have received their GEDs.
Bill Cosby, Michael J. Fox, Lil’ Wayne and late Wendy’s Chief Executive Officer Dave Thomas all received General Education Diplomas, and they all went on to achieve great success, according to YW-Access GED instructor Kevin Briscoe.
The message Briscoe wanted to ensure his students took home from the program’s graduation proceedings Friday was that with a GED, they can do anything they put their mind to.
“I know some of you told me you made mistakes and that’s why you’re here. I wouldn’t necessarily look at it as you made mistakes, I would look at it as maybe it took a little longer than it could have, but you’ve finally got your GEDs,” he told the class while a muzak version of The Beatles classic “Let It Be” played in the background. “The reason I share this list of names with you is because you have a long path ahead of you, a path that can lead to anything you believe in.”
The 11-year-old YW-Access program is funded by the city Department of Youth and Community Development and the Korean American Community Foundation. Based at the YWCA of Queens, at 42-07 Parsons Blvd., the program prepares students for the five GED tests, which when passed certify that the taker has American high school-level academic skills.
Since its inception, the program has helped more than 500 youths between the ages of 17 and 21 through GED training as well as job readiness workshops, counseling and leadership workshops. The graduation celebrated nine students who received their official GEDs after completing the program, as well as 16 students who had completed the program and are waiting to take their GED exams. Several of the graduates have been accepted to colleges for the fall semester.
Min Choi, a 17-year-old Flushing resident, completed the GED preparation program with 95 percent attendance and is preparing to take the GED tests. He choked back tears as he explained to his classmates the role YW-Access has had in his young life.
“Ever since attending the GED program, I’ve realized how important my education is and I’d like to thank the teachers in the YW-Access program for believing in me and helping me to get this far,” Choi said.
Rho Kim, the executive director of the YWCA of Queens, said she was proud to see the graduates move on to the next phase of their lives.
“I would like to congratulate every one of you,” she told the class. “This is a new beginning, but I know it took a lot of courage, patience, endurance and perseverance, and for that I commend you. Thank you.”
Reach reporter Connor Adams Sheets by e-mail at csheets@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.
