Perseverance Led Me to Northern Virginia Community College

The National External Diploma Program changed my life. The education I received completing the NEDP is helping me now at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). The day after NEDP graduation, I woke up to my cell phone notifying me of an NEDP email. To my surprise, I had been selected to receive a scholarship that enabled me to start college. With scholarship money and a big gift from friends, I did not have to pay anything out of pocket for first semester. That was awesome!

Immediately after graduation, I enrolled at NOVA and completed writing and math placement tests. My first semester focused on improving and mastering English, my second language. In my classes, I applied skills such as writing citations and doing online research. Already knowing these skills from NEDP made it easier, and I was able to put more attention on other things I needed to learn.

My first year went by fast, and I enjoyed all my classes even though they sometimes seemed hard. One of my favorite things about school is that I am meeting new people, new professors, and different cultures. I have studied different subjects and learned how to write using American Psychological Association (APA) and Modern Language Association (MLA) formatting styles. Learning more than one format for writing is important because different careers require different styles.

One of my biggest surprises about NOVA was the quality of education. They help students with services such as free tutorials twice a week and the detailed information on their web page. One of my favorite places at NOVA is the bookstore. I find new books, or if I do not want to spend a lot, I have the option to buy used books. School supplies I need are there, so if I do not have what I need, I just head down to the bookstore.

I had a successful year at NOVA. It was not easy, but neither impossible. There were times when I had to cancel on family gatherings because of assignments. I had to stay up late to complete my work, but I am glad because I succeeded.

My strong recommendation for my NEDP colleagues is to never give up and never stop dreaming. Ask your Assessor “How can I do this?” or “Can I get some recommendations?” and “What subject should I work on to improve?” If you can take extra classes to improve your skills for NEDP, do it. They will help you understand, it will be easier, and you will do well in every subject. Feed your brain with knowledge and positivism, open your mind, and let the program get into your veins. It is wonderful, trust me! Pay attention to what your Assessor tells you; Assessors know what is best for students. When you need to read, do it. There is nothing better than reading; it will help sharpen your brain. That is how you succeed. Completing the NEDP will open new doors for you. It will give you the opportunity to study at a university and continue your education so you can make your dreams come true. You can do it. If I did it, you can too. You must discipline and educate yourself and complete and understand every assignment. That should be your priority. This may not sound easy, but trust me, it will be worth it.

Finally, but no less important, enjoy the NEDP because it is amazing to learn about subjects useful in life every day. Time goes by fast and I really miss studying for the NEDP, but my process is over. Now I am another step ahead and happy about it. Each time you finish an assignment, you will have a lot of new knowledge and will be able to help others who do not know what you know. The satisfaction is amazing and wonderful. The NEDP will change your life as it did mine. You will feel how the pain of struggling with schoolwork turns into happiness and satisfaction. You will feel proud of yourself because you are completing an amazing program. You will celebrate your achievements with loved ones, and they will feel immensely proud. So never give up, go ahead and pursue your dreams and goals. Good luck to everyone, and see you soon in college.

I want to thank the National External Diploma Program for the opportunity given to me to pursue my dream of becoming a registered nurse by giving me a scholarship to start college. Thank you very much.