“At Omega it was one-on-one between student and teacher, which made me very comfortable in returning to school. With the support and encouragement of Omega and their staff... I have successfully completed the requirements in order to receive my GED and am now looking forward to going to school to be a Registered Nurse.”
— Desiree
“Wonderful school. Wonderful people.”
— Nabil
“Omega's philosophy of empowerment in education is a unique one and allows the student to personalize his program within the boundaries of the system to give him/her an element of control in their lives.”
Ron
“After I got my GED from Omega, I learned it wasn't as hard as I thought it was to get a diploma. When I used to go to school it was hard for me to attend and to remember to do the work. I also learned that getting my diploma makes me feel better and gives me more opportunities in life than without it.”
Matt
“Any adult who is looking to finish up their high school. diploma who doesn't mind spending 4 hours per week to study would be a perfect candidate for Omega School. Omega's diverse, qualified staff offers educational support to anyone not fortunate enough to have completed a traditional high school education.”
Jermaine
“In my opinion and if I had my way, I would have all high school students who are having trouble with regular schools to come (to Omega School). Also, I would recommend to all adults who haven't finished with high school to definitely come to Omega!”
Amanda
“Anyone who felt stigmatized in high school, but still wants to get an education.”
Julia
One young student expressed how her teenage pregnancy had caused her to drop out of high school where she says she'd “started hanging around with the wrong crowd and skipping classes.” She decided to enroll at Omega School after she looked at her infant daughter one day and “realized that she was the reason I needed to get back to school.”
Having served two jail terms on drug charges before he finally called Omega School for help at age 21, another student explained at his graduation ceremony, “I didn't have a lot of faith in myself after all that. But these people really helped me. That's why I'm here today.”
Another student described the years she'd spent working minimum-wage jobs, yet always knowing deep inside that she had the potential to do much better. “But because I didn't have my degree, my resume just got passed by.” she told the crowd of about 500 people attending Omega's graduation ceremony. Brimming with new-found confidence, this young woman had tapped into truths about her abilities that might otherwise have remained buried for years to come.
It is a difficult time to be a young adult in Madison. As an educator working with troubled young adults, I see firsthand the problems, heartaches, and disappointment young people face on a daily basis. But what I also see, up close and personal, is their will and determination.
I am so proud that our students are willing to go into uncharted waters and flourish. I am amazed and humbled by their willingness to fight for their own self-education and survival.
I often tell them that, faced with their circumstances, many people would give up, but they have withstood the obstacles and are still standing and moving forward.
This inner strength makes passing the GED examination an obstacle over which they can triumph.