Sierra's Story: From GED to College Dreams

When Sierra first found WAYS for Life, she wasn’t entirely sure what the future would hold. What she did know was that she wanted more. More opportunity. More stability. A chance to build a life that reflected her goals and potential.

Sierra dreamed of becoming an engineer and attending college, but she also understood that reaching those goals would require support.

What followed is a powerful example of what’s possible when a young person is met with consistent, wraparound care and a community willing to walk alongside them every step of the way.

Education First

Sierra came to WAYS for Life through our GED program after finding us through an online search. At the time, she was carrying significant responsibilities while navigating an overcrowded living situation and planning for her future.

She began attending Thursday night GED tutoring and quickly stood out for her commitment and work ethic. After excelling on practice tests, she was accepted into the program.

Sierra completed her GED in just one month, a process that typically takes many months or even years. That achievement became her first major milestone and the foundation for everything that followed.

“This was my way out. Education was the first door that opened.”

Finding Stability

Education alone wasn’t enough. Sierra needed space to focus, breathe, and build independence.

During this transition, she experienced a period without stable housing as she worked toward a future better aligned with her goals. Through ongoing conversations, trust-building, and encouragement, Sierra gained the confidence to advocate for herself and take the next step forward.

Through WAYS’ transitional housing, she found stability and safety during a critical turning point in her life.

“Having a safe place to land gave me room to breathe and focus on my future.”

That stability created the space for Sierra to thrive. She consistently attended appointments, practiced independent living skills, and fully engaged in life skills programming. She built routines, established boundaries, and learned to navigate adult responsibilities with growing confidence.

This month, Sierra is transitioning directly from WAYS housing into her college dorm.

The Power of Mentorship

One of the most impactful parts of Sierra’s journey has been mentorship.

Through WAYS for Life, Sierra was matched with a mentor, Nancy, whose consistent presence became a steady source of encouragement and guidance during a pivotal season. Mentorship at WAYS is about showing up in real moments, and Nancy did exactly that.

She attended college orientation sessions, campus tours, and dorm meetings alongside Sierra. She supported her through preparations for college life, from shopping for dorm essentials to talking through expectations and next steps. Nancy showed up for each milestone, reinforcing that Sierra did not have to navigate this journey alone.

“Knowing someone was showing up for me changed everything.”

Even as Sierra prepares to begin college, that relationship continues. Nancy remains actively involved, celebrating achievements and offering guidance as Sierra steps into her next chapter.

Building Independence

WAYS’ wraparound approach goes beyond academics and housing. Through financial wellness coaching, Sierra learned how to create a realistic budget, manage expenses, and plan for college costs. She also worked with WAYS staff to lower her car insurance and strengthen her financial confidence.

Life skills programming helped Sierra develop tools for conflict resolution, self-advocacy, time management, and navigating social situations. These skills will continue to support her well beyond college.

Career Pathways and Experience

Sierra also participated in Career Pathways programming, completing AMPAP certifications and earning an invitation into a paid apprenticeship program through regional manufacturing partnerships.

Through collaboration with local employers and workforce partners, she gained hands-on experience, professional skills, and confidence that will serve her in both college and her future career.

She also connected with a Professional Education Organization dedicated to supporting women in education. Although she did not initially qualify for one scholarship, the organization was so impressed by her determination that they worked together to identify a different scholarship opportunity that ultimately exceeded the original award.

Whole-Person Support

WAYS’ wraparound model recognizes that success isn’t just academic or financial. It’s emotional, mental, and practical too.

Alongside counseling and wellness services, Sierra was able to rely on support for everyday essentials such as food, hygiene supplies, and household items. She participated in counseling for several months, including weekly sessions through WAYS’ partnership with Coastal Wellness. She also engaged in vibro-acoustical therapy and worked closely with WAYS care coaches to navigate Medicaid, insurance, and medication needs.

“Support didn’t change just one part of my life. It supported all of me.”

This comprehensive support strengthened Sierra’s emotional well-being, helped her manage stress, and gave her tools to move forward with confidence and stability.

Looking Ahead

Sierra is a first-generation college student who will soon attend University of South Florida, pursuing her dream of becoming an engineer.

Her journey is a reminder that meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight. It happens when young people feel supported, trusted, and given the time and space to grow. It happens when education, housing, mentorship, mental health care, and community support come together.

Because of donors, partners, mentors, and supporters, WAYS for Life is able to provide wraparound care that creates real pathways forward.

Sierra took every opportunity placed in front of her, and today she’s stepping into her future with confidence, purpose, and hope.