I am 65 years old and recently retired after 45 years with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). I left high school in Grade 11 in 1978 and found myself at a Canadian Forces recruiting station in Vancouver, which only required a basic Grade 10 education. As I progressed in rank, I realized that not having my high school diploma restricted my advancement. I looked into the GED program, but found it difficult with my career schedule, and eventually, it was too late for my career. When I retired, I wanted to get my University Degree in Meteorology, but I did not have my Grade 12, so I contacted the Bedford-Sackville Learning Network (BSLN).

The hardest part was walking into the office to talk to someone about taking my CAEC. I started classes in September, hoping I could finish before I turned 65 in February.  I was provided with the relevant materials and given homework to do to reach a level of competency to pass each test, and it am grateful that the teacher was patient.  His guidance kept me going, and gentle nudges to take my exams helped succeed in achieving my goal.

I encourage anyone who wants to get their grade 12 equivalency to take that first step. It could be a changing point in your life and open opportunities not yet realized. I have to thank BSLN for providing the teacher, the venue, and equipment to learn.

-Chuck