When Jyren Thomas walked away from high school, he never imagined the journey that awaited him years later. Distractions and shifting priorities pulled him away from his education, but the dream of earning his diploma never disappeared. Thanks to the encouragement of family and friends, Jyren found his way back through Irving ISD’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) GED preparation program.
Returning to the classroom wasn’t easy, but Thomas immediately noticed a difference.
“It felt less distracting this time,” says Thomas.
That determination was tested when he didn’t pass his first GED exam. Instead of giving up, Thomas leaned on his teacher, whose encouragement pushed him to retake the test quickly.
“She told me, ‘Take it again ASAP – you’ll pass it next time.’ And she was right,” recalls Thomas.
A pivotal moment came when he was selected to represent Irving ISD AEL at the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) national conference during Students as Leaders Day. Speaking with other adult learners from across the country gave him the motivation he needed to keep moving forward.
“That experience taught me to never give up,” he says.
Thomas’s perseverance paid off. After months of preparation, he passed his final exam and earned his high school equivalency diploma.
“It felt like a big weight was lifted off me,” says Thomas. “It was exciting to finally move forward.”
Jyren Thomas takes a selfie in front of planes during his time at aviation mechanic school.
Today, Thomas is enrolled in aviation mechanic school, pursuing his Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license to maintain and repair airplanes, a career he never thought possible without finishing his education.
Looking back, he knows his younger self would be amazed.
“My younger self probably wouldn’t recognize me,” says Thomas. “But I think he’d be proud.”
Thomas now encourages others who are considering Irving ISD’s Adult Education program to take the leap.
“Don’t hesitate,” he says. “It’s a very welcoming and helpful program.”
As we celebrate Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, Thomas’ story reminds us that it’s never too late to rewrite your future. With persistence, support and the right opportunities, setbacks can become steppingstones to success.
Learn more about the district’s AEL program at IrvingISD.net/AEL.
