Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES

Christina Emig, like many adult learners, had her educational journey interrupted by life itself. Responsibilities took priority, time slipped by, and school became something she carried quietly in the back of her mind rather than on her daily calendar.

“Life happened, and I had to step away from school earlier than I planned,” Emig said. “But I always felt like something was missing.”

That feeling stayed with her for years, eventually becoming the motivation she needed to take a step forward. When Emig decided it was time to earn her General Education Development (GED) credential, she knew she needed a program that understood the realities of adult life. She chose the High School Equivalency program at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES after hearing that adult learners were given the flexibility to balance school, work, and family.

Her return to education did not come without nerves. After being out of school for so long, the idea of stepping back into a classroom was intimidating. But those fears quickly faded.

“My experience with the program was transformative,” she said. “It was much more supportive and adult-oriented than traditional high school. It wasn’t just about passing a test. It was about filling in the gaps in my education and proving to myself that I could finish what I started.”

For Emig, that proof mattered deeply, not just for herself, but for her family. With one son graduated and two children currently in high school, she felt a strong responsibility to lead by example.

“I wanted to prove to my kids that I could do this,” she said.

Some days felt overwhelming, and self-doubt became one of Emig’s biggest obstacles.

“The biggest hurdles were time and myself,” she said. “Balancing everything felt impossible some days. I pushed through by taking it one practice test at a time and reminding myself that slow progress is still progress.”

What helped her push forward was the unwavering support she received from her instructors.

“The instructors at BOCES were incredible, especially Jennifer Kent-Isaacs,” Emig said. “She didn’t just teach me math and writing. She coached me through the days when I felt like quitting.”

That encouragement, paired with the support of her family, made all the difference. Knowing her children were proud of her kept her going during the most challenging moments.

When Emig finally received her passing scores, the feeling was overwhelming.

“Getting that final score felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders,” she said. “It isn’t just a piece of paper. It was proof that I could finish what I started. Personally, it meant that my past didn’t define my future. It gave me a sense of ‘I can do anything now’ that I haven’t felt in years.”

Today, Emig hopes her story encourages others who may be considering a similar path. Her advice to prospective adult learners is simple, honest, and hard-earned.

“Don’t wait for the perfect time, because it doesn’t exist,” she said. “Just show up for the first day. The staff at BOCES are there to help you, not judge you. It’s okay if you struggle. It’s okay if you fail a practice test. The only way you truly lose is if you stop trying. You are worth the effort.”

Christina Emig’s journey is a powerful reminder that education is not bound by circumstance, and that finishing strong is always possible. If interested in the High School Equivalency Program or taking the GED exam, please contact Jennifer Kent-Isaacs at jkentisaacs@cayboces.org or 315-253-4899.