Amber Thacker knows a thing or two about persistence.

 

She could have given up on her education after being forced to leave high school because of a broken back (the result of a car accident).

 

She could have given up after being home schooled for several years, having a family of her own, and still not earning a high school credential.

 

But she soon realized that she needed to obtain her GED if she wanted to be competitive in today’s job market. PHCC’s Middle College seemed to be the perfect solution. This free program allowed her to complete her GED, obtain a silver level Career Readiness Certificate, and successfully complete her first college course within just a few short weeks.

 

Now taking a full course load through the University of Phoenix and majoring in psychology, she has also completed a dental assisting program through the Dental Assistance Partners of Maryland in Virginia and is working at the local Free Clinic.

 

Some of the very people she helps at the clinic are her former classmates through Middle College, and she is able to share more than just her dental assisting skills. She can tell them how persistence pays off and encourage them to continue their higher education.

 

Because Amber knows:  In pursuit of her goals, she has managed to make great grades while taking two programs full-time, working, and managing a family.