Imagine having never even stepped foot on a high school campus. Being several years into adulthood and a father with children progressing through their own education presents a pivotal moment of shaping the future for yourself and your family.

The program at the Orange County Rescue Mission also presents a valuable opportunity that allows our students to complement their education through classes to complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) standardized test at Tustin Adult School.

Last week, two Rescue Mission student-residents walked across a stage that marked the completion of the GRE exam and achievement of their diplomas. Where revisiting these school subjects has to seem daunting for most, especially high school drop-outs, the commencement speaker assured these men and women that this accomplishment is a large investment in their future.

I am reminded that this is no small feat and encouraged by the aspirations this accomplishments has birthed in these students. Talk of pursuing further education and careers as registered nurses and so on. This is one step in the daily transformation that we get to witness at the Rescue Mission, but it never grows dull or ceases to amaze me how God works in our lives.

Congratulations to Dane and Samantha for this accomplishment and special thanks to the leadership and encouragement of Principal Betty Sarell!