Like a Phoenix: The Story of Sherie Williams, Class of 2023

Sherie Williams, Next Step Learning Center Graduate, 2023

There is a day I will never forget, and that is the day my heroin-addicted mother dropped me off at school and didn’t return to pick me up.

The school called my aunt, and from that day on, she raised me as her own. As the years went by, my feelings started getting the better of me and by the time I reached high school I was a very angry young person. I began cutting class and giving my aunt a hard time because I wanted my mother to be raising me, taking care of me.

I’m thankful that my aunt stood by me, and she is the best thing that could’ve happened to me. She was there for me while I watched my mother, struggle with addiction. There would be times where I would be talking to my mother and she would just nod off from the effects of the heroin. Growing up was, to say the least, a struggle. But through that struggle I learned there is a certain beauty in it. It strengthens us, toughens us. Looking back at my life experience, even with all the struggles and pain, I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s been a journey worth travelling.

Six months ago, I applied for my first job in four years. The employer asked to see my high school diploma. I went home and found the document, but after looking at it again after so long, I realized that what I had all this time believed was my high school diploma was actually a certificate showing I completed my math courses. I was devasted that I hadn’t realized this. I felt like a hypocrite, as I’ve always told my children that they can’t go far in life without a high school diploma. I was determined at that point to use this moment as motivation to get my high school diploma.

I’d kept in touch with one of my past teachers, and she told me about Next Step Learning Center. While at Next Step Learning Center I met many amazing tutors that gave me the support and instruction I needed to succeed on my journey toward my obtaining my high school diploma. I will always be so thankful for each and every tutor who helped me.

At Next Step Learning Center you are given lessons depending on what and how many credits you need in order to receive your diploma. I tried to avoid the art lessons as long as I could, leaving them for last. I knew I’d be asked to draw, and I could barely make straight lines. I honestly thought that art was only paintings in museums.

With the help of my Next Step Learning Center tutor, I now know that art is singing, art is dancing, and art is now a part of my life. I can now see the art that exists all around us, every moment of every day. In May, I watched my children, Khalia and Kyle, walk the stage at their high school graduation. Watching my children make it along their academic road strengthened my commitment to my own journey at Next Step Learning Center.

I have registered at Merritt College, where I plan on taking classes in child development. I want to pay it forward, and I want to help all children to be as excited about learning as I am. And you can be sure that I will be including art in my own teaching.

My name is Sherie Williams, and I am a graduate of Next Step Learning Center, class of 2023.