A Fresh Start &
A New Direction

How Carteret CC Helped TeShone Reclaim Her Future

TeShone’s journey shows how Carteret CC’s Career and College Readiness program helps students reclaim confidence, rewrite their stories, and take the next step toward a brighter future.

Sometimes, the most powerful journeys don’t begin with a clear plan — they begin with a decision to start again.

For TeShone, that decision came at a moment when she knew she wanted more for herself and her life. After spending time caught up in choices that led her down the wrong path, she realized it was time to get back on track. And she knew education was the place to start.

“I wanted to get back on track with life,” TeShone shared. “And what better way to start than by furthering my education?”

That choice led her to Carteret Community College’s Career and College Readiness (CCR) program and the High School Equivalency (HSE) pathway — a turning point that would open doors she once thought had closed.

Choosing Herself and Her Goals

Earning her GED had always been one of TeShone’s personal goals, even during the years when life pulled her in a different direction. When the opportunity finally felt right, she committed fully.

“I chose the GED program because it was a goal I had set for myself,” she said.

Returning to academics after time away wasn’t easy, but what surprised her most was how much she still had inside her.

“The most rewarding part was seeing my practice test results after years of not being active in those subjects,” she said. “It showed me I was capable.”

Learning to Trust Herself Again

One of TeShone’s biggest challenges wasn’t the material — it was believing in herself enough to see the journey through to the end.

“The most challenging part was trusting myself,” she explained. “I studied outside of the classroom until I was confident enough that I was ready.”

Through the CCR program, she developed skills that went far beyond reading, writing, or test prep. She learned focus, discipline, and how to take things one step at a time — skills that would serve her well long after the exams were over.

Support That Made the Difference

TeShone credits much of her success to the unwavering support she received at Carteret CC.

“Ms. Lori’s availability was a breath of fresh air,” she said. “Having access to a classroom with instructors who were always willing to help meant everything to me.”

She also appreciated being reminded not to rush the process.

“Whenever I tried to move too fast, I was encouraged to take my time,” she shared.

Every milestone mattered. Each passed practice test — and every official exam — was acknowledged and celebrated, reinforcing that she was moving forward, step by step.

A Milestone That Changed Everything

Completing her High School Equivalency was more than an academic achievement — it was deeply personal.

“Accomplishing something after thinking I waited too long to do it is what I’m most proud of,” TeShone said.

Passing her official tests felt freeing.

“It was liberating,” she shared.

And then came a moment she never expected: graduation.

“I figured I’d get my GED and that would be it,” she said. “But walking across that stage felt surreal.”

From CCR to College

That confidence carried her directly into the next chapter. Immediately after completing her HSE, TeShone enrolled in Carteret CC’s Business Administration program, determined to keep moving forward.

Her experience has also inspired others. She encouraged a coworker to pursue her GED at Carteret CC — and watched her do exactly that.

“I couldn’t be more proud,” she said.

Her advice to anyone considering the HSE program is simple and powerful:

“It’s never too late, and you can’t go wrong.”

A Chapter Earned

Today, TeShone’s story reflects exactly what the Career and College Readiness program at Carteret Community College is designed to do — meet students where they are, support them fully, and help them move confidently toward what’s next.

In her own words:

“Earning my GED isn’t just a certificate — it’s proof that the version of me who refused to give up won. This is the chapter I worked for, prayed for, and finally stepped into.”

Her journey is a reminder that no matter where you start, it’s never too late to choose yourself, rewrite your story, and step into a future you’re proud of.

Interested in learning more about our College & Career Readiness Program?
Contact Christopher Matthews at [email protected] or visit carteret.edu/school/ccr