Class of 2022

Mom, you got this!

After trying for two decades to earn her high school diploma, graduation turned out to be a family affair for Dionna. She says she owes it all to Phase 4 Learning Center, and to her children.

Dionna describes her own childhood as traumatic, growing up with a mother who was addicted to drugs and a father who wasn’t around much. Separated from her five siblings, she lived with relatives and moved a lot, changing schools often before dropping out of high school.

Working various jobs to support her six children, Dionna’s opportunities were limited without a diploma. Every time she tried to return to her studies, she had difficulty concentrating and taking tests.

Two years ago, her oldest son Markhi graduated from Phase 4. Then daughter Mikeyah enrolled this past school year. Dionna asked the school if they helped adult learners and was excited to receive a positive answer. She knew this was the opportunity she needed.

“I got help from Phase 4 when I was working on the computer at home,” Dionna says. “My kids said, ‘Mom, we’re so proud of you! We know you can do it. Mom, you got this!’

“Instead of me motivating them, they were motivating me,” Dionna said. “I just kept going.”

In June, Dionna graduated with Mikeyah, and spoke at the commencement.

“I kept believing,” Dionna said. “It was hard, but my message is never give up.”

Earning her diploma feels great, according to Dionna. She believes it will lead to a better job.



“It’s such a relief, a huge weight lifted off my shoulders,” she said. “I am my children’s prime example. I will keep going.”