Mayland Community College GED graduate Alan Fogleman's desire in life is to give back to others. He shared his story of coming from a broken home, and the financial strain on his family that led him to quit school in the 9th grade to work during the December GED graduation ceremony.

Fogleman says he had to learn the hard way, and unfortunately made the decision to turn to alcohol and drugs for comfort he lacked elsewhere. This hurt his family, friends, and himself. He is not proud of the path he chose, but learned from his mistakes.

"I have been told that God gives each of us a special gift; and, at age 57, I found the one he gave me," said Fogleman. "It's called 'giving back.' It's my gift to those who struggle with substance abuse. I can understand how they feel: the anxiety, the loneliness, the fear and thinking that no one understands them. With the help of God, I can help others believe there is hope. Each time I help someone, it helps me in return."

Fogleman experienced some hard times in his life, and needed counseling. He received help at Avery Cares, a drug and alcohol counseling center. After being on the receiving end of counseling, he was asked to help with other groups at the facility.

When a position opened up with Avery Cares, Fogleman applied for the chance to continue his work helping others. However, since he had quit high school and had never gotten his GED, he was turned down for the position.

"I wanted to make sure that never happened again," said Fogleman. "So, in April of 2008, I went to register at Mayland to get my GED. I was scared because it had been 44 years since I had attended school."

When he first entered the classroom at Mayland he had a chance to observe the teachers who were working individually with other students. The teachers made the other students as well as Fogleman feel comfortable and encouraged that they could complete their goal.

Fogleman devoted five and half months of his life to earning his GED.

"Though the work was sometimes challenging, I never gave up," said Fogleman. "I found constant help and encouragement from my teachers to never give up. Each day, they were 'giving back' to all the students including me."

In September Fogleman passed the final test – Math. After receiving his GED, Fogleman said he felt a sense of accomplishment and was more confident.

"Earning my GED has already paid off," said Fogleman. "I now have a part-time job with High Country Counseling doing what I love best, using my God-given gift of helping others by giving them tools to help themselves and letting them know they are not alone. For me, the GED opened this door."

Fogleman served as a guest speaker at the December 2008 GED graduation ceremony.

"Look at this GED as just the beginning of what you hope to achieve in life," encourages Fogleman to future graduates. "Life does not stop now that you've earned your GED and neither should you. Make the best of the opportunities available to you. Mayland has a lot more to offer if you desire to take advantage of it. Personally, I plan to work on acquiring my credentials as a counselor. Getting my GED has given me the confidence to know that I can do it."