Returning to school while raising a family gave Jemonte more options and opened a path from his GED to college, a CDL, and a new career.
“You can always create a new beginning for yourself.”
— Jemonte
Jemonte Stallworth was working, raising a family, and thinking about his future when he realized he wanted more options.
He felt stagnant in the workforce. Going back to school offered a way forward, but earning his GED wasn't something he was doing only for himself.
His mother motivated him. So did his children.
Returning to school as a husband and father, however, was very different from being a student the first time around.
Jemonte had to balance studying with responsibilities at home. Being back in the classroom also gave him a new perspective on an opportunity he hadn't fully appreciated when he was younger.
“You realize how simple things were the first go around in school,” he said.
This time, Jemonte was ready for it.
Earning his GED gave Jemonte what he had been looking for: more options.
But personally, the accomplishment meant something even bigger.
“It reminded me that life had not passed me by.”
— Jemonte
That realization was followed by something tangible.
With his GED, Jemonte was accepted into Stark State College. While there, he interviewed for a position with METRO RTA.
One opportunity was beginning to lead to another.
He earned his commercial driver's license—a milestone he considers his proudest accomplishment since completing his GED—and became a bus driver for METRO.
Driving a bus puts Jemonte in front of people every day.
Some faces are new. Others become familiar.
For Jemonte, that human connection is one of the best parts of the job.
“What I enjoy most is putting smiles on new and familiar faces.”
— Jemonte
His route to that driver's seat had started with a decision to give himself more choices.
The GED opened the way to college. College became connected to an employment opportunity. His CDL gave him another professional credential.
But Jemonte hasn't stopped at the driver's seat.
He's already working toward something else.
Jemonte is currently in the process of becoming a personal trainer.
He doesn't know exactly where every opportunity will take him, but his experience has changed the way he thinks about starting something new.
That is also what he wants another adult considering a return to school to understand.
“You can always create a new beginning for yourself. It’s never over until you quit.”
— Jemonte
For Jemonte, the new beginning wasn't one dramatic moment.
It was deciding he wanted more options.
It was returning to school while raising a family.
It was earning his GED.
Then college.
Then his CDL.
Then a job that puts him in touch with his community every day.
And now, another goal is already taking shape.
Life hadn't passed Jemonte by.
There was still plenty of road ahead.
