After returning to education years later, Christy earned her GED, built confidence in math and technology, and found herself using those same skills in a new career.
“Project Learn taught me that I was capable of achieving more.”
— Christy
Numbers and spreadsheets are part of Christy Henderson’s workday now.
Not long ago, she says basic math and computer skills were things she struggled with. Today, as a Distributions Specialist for a pension consulting company, she works with numbers, spreadsheets, and documents every day.
It’s a job Christy says she once wouldn’t have had the courage to apply for.
“The same girl that couldn’t do basic math and didn’t have the simplest computer skills a short time ago, now works with numbers, spreadsheets, and documents every day!”
— Christy
Getting there meant returning to something that had been left unfinished years earlier: her education.
Christy grew up homeschooled in a family that placed a high value on education. She was an avid reader and remembers doing well academically.
But before she had the chance to finish high school and attend college, her life took a different direction. She left home and eventually began working for Starbucks, where she would spend the next 23 years.
During those years, Christy also struggled with alcohol. March 2021 was the last time she drank, and she has now been sober for more than five years.
Sobriety changed what she wanted for her life.
“Becoming sober made me want more for my life.”
— Christy
Two years ago, Christy made another major change, moving from Oregon to Ohio. She knew she wanted to pursue a career beyond Starbucks.
The first step was earning her GED.
After taking a practice math test, Christy knew she would need some help preparing. She had heard the library was a good place to start, and that search led her to Project Learn.
What stands out most in her memory are the people she met there.
Christy called Jackie “my own personal cheerleader.” Jackie was the person she texted after every test, and Christy says she still tears up when she talks about how much that encouragement meant to her.
She remembers Ethan, her instructor, as humorous and patient. She remembers the classroom tutors who helped her, along with Marquita, Paul, Melinda, and others who supported her during and after the program.
For Christy, those relationships became part of an experience she hadn’t expected to affect her as deeply as it did.
Earning her GED was a personal accomplishment, but Christy’s memories of graduation aren’t hers alone.
She remembers the classmates who had been working toward the same goal.
“I was so proud to graduate with my classmates that struggled along with me and fought to achieve this.”
— Christy
By then, Christy had proven something to herself, too.
“At any age you can do hard things and change your life.”
— Christy
After graduation, she tried a couple of different jobs before finding the position she has today.
And the work brought her back to some of the very skills she once doubted.
As a Distributions Specialist for a pension consulting company, Christy now regularly works with numbers, spreadsheets, and documents.
The contrast isn’t lost on her.
Math was the subject that first made her realize she needed help preparing for the GED. Computer skills were another area where she once lacked confidence.
Now both are part of her workday.
“My current position is one I never would have had the courage to apply for if not for Project Learn.”
— Christy
For Christy, earning the GED mattered. But looking back, she says the experience gave her something that went beyond the credential itself.
“It’s not just about the GED, it’s about the confidence instilled by every person that works with Project Learn.”
— Christy
Staying Connected
Christy’s connection to Project Learn didn’t end at graduation.
In 2026, she returned for Books & Brushes, joining the fundraiser as a former student and supporter. Her participation also included a charitable contribution to Project Learn.
This time, she was coming back as a graduate helping support the organization and the learners coming after her.
Today, Christy describes herself the same way she began telling her story:
“I am a proud graduate of Project Learn!”
— Christy
Her path to graduation looked different from the one she might have imagined when she was younger. She returned to education years later, after a 23-year career, sobriety, and a move across the country.
Now, some of the skills she once struggled with are skills she uses every day.
And along the way, Christy discovered she was capable of more.
