Milca-Gonzalez-Rebuilds-Future-Through-RVC-GED.php

Milca Gonzalez Rebuilds Her Future Through RVC's GED Program

• Students
• 05/27/2025

When Milca first considered returning to school to earn her GED, she hesitated. The thought of facing an academic environment again after time away was daunting. Though she was an honors student in high school, Milca struggled with crippling anxiety. Attending high school during COVID set her back emotionally and academically. After a while, she left school altogether.

"I was scared I was going to mess up again," she says. "I thought, since I messed up the first time, why would a second time be any different?"

But Milca also recognized that life wouldn't wait. "I reached a point where I wouldn't get much further without a diploma. And then I saw the Spring GED courses at Rock Valley College. It was right on time."

Milca chose to get her GED through RVC partly because of its affordability and structured learning environment. She's learned that having a set schedule and a designated place to study helps her stay focused and on task. "I wanted to put myself in the best environment to excel, and Rock Valley provided that."

Last winter, Milca left her job just in time for the GED program to begin, and her family has been supportive. She continues to struggle with anxiety, and being in an unfamiliar situation scares her. It affected her so much that she had to take several days to complete her placement test. Eventually, she passed her test and believes her younger self would be proud of her.
 
The decision to pursue her GED proved transformative. In the classroom, Milca found dedicated instructors and a community of peers who supported one another. "You hear the sound of everyone learning together – those little 'oh, I get it!' moments," she recalls. We helped each other, gave advice, and encouraged one another."

The chance to talk with RVC counselors about the necessary information needed to further her education has been really helpful. "My family doesn't have anyone who went to college; the highest education they received was a GED, so we're not very knowledgeable about what steps to take or how exactly to fill out forms," said Milca. To know that RVC has people who have experience and are happy to help lifts a huge weight off me."

“Milca was an excellent student,” said Adult Education Instructor Linda Scherbarth. “She came to class everyday prepared and ready to learn. Milca was very positive, smiling all the time. She helped other students when they needed it. I was so lucky to have her in my class.

Milca plans to continue her education this fall by enrolling at Rock Valley College to pursue a degree in accounting. Her journey through RVC’s GED program has helped her better understand the college process and ease her transition into higher education. Milca chose accounting because she’s seen many people earn degrees they don’t end up using, often working in unrelated fields. An Accounting degree offers her flexibility both personally and professionally.

"I loved being here. I realized how much I missed learning. The environment, the people – it's been wonderful. I'm excited for what's next."

Milca's dream has been to help out the company her dad has been a part of for almost 30 years. They specialize in manufacturing prototypes and dealing with CNC machines. It's been a big part of her life, and she's grateful to the family that owns it, who have also taken good care of her family. 

"I thought either through accounting or possibly even learning CNC programming to hopefully give back and be part of the company. If not, then finding a job dealing with accounts is what I plan for."

For others considering RVC, Milca has this advice: "Take the leap. RVC has made getting a degree more accessible for people with different circumstances. Don't let doubt stop you."