Meet Azalia

Azalia is a proud member of The Goodwill Excel Center Class of 2018.  The Goodwill Excel Center made such an impact on her life that Azalia was invited to give the Welcome Speech to graduates and their families at this year’s graduation ceremony at The Long Center for the Performing Arts.

Returning to high school to earn her diploma wasn’t something that was at the top of the list for Azalia. “As a wife and mother of three children, the idea of going back to school was not in my plans,” she said. “Everything was going well. I was busy raising my kids and taking care of the household.”

But after she started classes, Azalia quickly discovered that it was a great decision for her, a decision that would be life-changing. “These people [fellow students, faculty, and staff] are going to always be in my thoughts and my heart. Looking back, I can say this was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” Azalia knows that her time at The Goodwill Excel Center is something she will remember for the rest of her life.

One thing the Goodwill Excel Center did for Azalia is increase her confidence. “Being part of the Goodwill Excel Center gave me the opportunity to take one step forward in my education to better myself and be a good role mode for my children. Not only that, the school gave me confidence in myself and that helped me even in the toughest times to not give up.”

What she learned at the Goodwill Excel Center also is helping Azalia with her next step of attending Austin Community College. She hopes to eventually become a Registered Nurse. “I met wonderful people at the Goodwill Excel Center.  I’m talking about my teachers and life coaches, my fellow students and the staff in general. I’ve learned valuable lessons that are going to be helpful in my continuing education.”

Azalia has advice for her fellow students still at the Goodwill Excel Center, or any future students thinking about following in her path. “Take pride in how far you have come.  Have faith in how far you can go.”