Pregnant at 15, Olivia attended a special school for pregnant and parenting teens, but was afraid to raise her hand in class. She convinced herself she was a slow learner and lacked confidence in her educational ability. After 10 years of being in the streets, she came to LSW for the first time in 1995 to obtain a GED. "It didn't work for me then, so I went back out there."
Last year, with a new found faith and enormous strength, Olivia returned to LSW to achieve her goal. She tested at a 4th grade level in reading. A bright, dedicated, and positive student, she has now advanced to a 7th grade level. "I feel better about myself. I used to not be able to spell, and now I can."
Olivia also has two sons, 16 and 22, the elder without a high school diploma. "If I can get a GED, my boys can," she says. To those without a GED, she adds, "Look at yourself and figure out your purpose. I'm no better than you—we grew up on the same block. But if you don't listen to your mama, you'll listen to the streets."
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