"I got bored with it," she said, and lacked self-esteem. "I was always the person who wanted to get out of school the most."

It was Wade's mother who pushed her to get the GED she earned earlier this year.

"When I did, I just fell in love with school," Wade said, "something I've never had before."

Wade and 22 others, ages 17 to 42, received certificates from South Piedmont Community College Tuesday after completing college prep courses in computer skills and Southern culture. It was their first stab at college courses.

The general education courses fit into every associate major and fill two requirements, counselor Makena Stewart said. Students also learned about time management, writing skills, coping with stress, how to study and choosing a career.

The pilot courses were available through a $95,000 federal grant, so participants didn't pay tuition.

Bryan Jackson, 39, has been unemployed for a year and a half. Not wanting to waste his time, he went back to school for business administration and culinary arts.

Jackson is part of Impact, a minority male mentor program. He and nine of his fellow program participants also completed the college prep courses, all smiles and dressed their best at the ceremony.

Prior to the classes, Jackson thought he knew about computers and Southern culture. He soon realized there was a lot he didn't know, he said, and developed a passion for his own heritage.

Wade always enjoyed writing, but didn't get the jump start she needed until the program. She is halfway done writing a book.

The eight-week intensive program ended with student presentations that blended both courses. Wade's group designed a PowerPoint book review on "To Kill a Mockingbird."

The courses targeted people who might otherwise skip college, Linda Kappauf, director of the Human Resource Development program, said.

Some students drop out of school because of family problems, pregnancy, not fitting in or having no success in lower grades, she said.

"It's hard enough for people that have a GED ... to find what I would call a job with a living wage," she said, and harder without one. "The more education you can put under your belt, the more successful in life you're going to be."

Parents and friends also attended the ceremony, and instructors Stephanie Osbourne and Oscar Gonzalez and lab coordinator Jon Klish received standing ovations.

"You proved to yourselves that you can achieve," SPCC President John McKay told them. "Don't let people tell you you can't do something."

Phil Campbell from the Samaritan's Feet ministry reminded students not just to get what they want out of life but to give what they have "to truly achieve and find a peace in your heart."

"You were blessed, and you need to pay it forward," Campbell said.

Most of the participants are already registered for fall classes.

Wade called the program "the best experience of my life" and now has a support group to keep her going.