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Highlighted Learner of the Month
Highlighted Learner of the Month
Destinee Grate
Destinee Grate
My name is Destinee Grate. I am a single mother of two daughters, and I’d like to share how adult education has profoundly impacted my life and the lives of those around me.
I began my journey in adult education through Oklahoma City Community College’s (OCCC) High School Equivalency (HiSET) program. At the time, I never believed I would be capable of becoming a college student—but passing my HiSET test changed that belief. It gave me the courage and confidence to pursue college classes, something I once thought was far beyond my reach.
What I learned through this program wasn’t just academic—it became personal. It taught me how to acknowledge and confront the mindset that once held me back. I used to struggle with feelings of inadequacy, fear of failure, and fear of rejection. But this program helped me believe in myself. I came to understand that my thoughts shape my reality—and by changing my mindset, I could change my life. That realization helped me begin healing from personal trauma, and it showed me that the sky truly is the limit.
I’m now writing a book titled Acknowledging the Truth, where I share more about that transformation. And the impact didn’t stop with me—it extended to my daughter, Avianna Thomas. She’s written her own book, inspired by her experiences with bullying and the loss of her father. She turned those painful experiences into something powerful, writing a book that helps other children know it's okay to be different. Her courage to share her truth came from watching me pursue my education and change my life. She believes in herself now—and that’s something that means the world to me.
This program didn’t just benefit me—it changed our family. We’ve become chain breakers. The generational cycle of feeling “not good enough” stops with us. And for that, I am forever grateful.
Because of this program, I had the opportunity to attend the COABE (Coalition on Adult Basic Education) conference, where I met people with degrees who believe in their potential and push themselves to achieve more. That experience changed my life even further. It challenged me to push past my own limitations and see myself in a completely new light.
Not only has this journey impacted my education, it has set me ablaze with a purpose to pour into others. I’ve now started a community outreach initiative focused on feeding the homeless and providing them with resources to help them get off the streets and begin their own journey toward freedom. My goal is to help them see that they are not defined or limited by their current situation. Sometimes, we think giving advice is the answer—but I’ve learned that it’s love that heals and brings hope. That’s exactly what my teachers gave to me: love, belief, and support. And now, that’s what I want to extend to others. I want to be a vessel of that same love and light in my community.
I want to thank OCCC and the HiSET program for believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. The teachers poured their time, effort, and encouragement into me. They taught me the value of discipline, self-motivation, and perseverance—qualities that have carried over into every area of my life.
I share my story to emphasize just how vital adult education is. It doesn’t just help individuals—it transforms families, inspires future generations, and builds stronger communities. This journey gave me confidence I never had, and now I want to help motivate others to pursue their HiSET and embrace the belief that they can achieve what once seemed impossible.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope it inspires you and shows how impactful programs like these truly are.
With gratitude,
Destinee Grate
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