Robert

Angela

Kendeya

Francisco

Julius

The students of the Adult Basic Education Program of United South End Settlements —a program that serves a range of educational needs—are diverse in terms of age, race, ethnicity, life circumstances and country of origin.  What they all share is that at some point in each of their lives, their basic educational needs were compromised. Their trying

stories reveal gaps in our educational system’s ability to serve some of our more

vulnerable populations.

Their stories also reveal an incredible personal strength, discipline and determination to achieve educational goals despite very challenging circumstances.  The students featured here share their stories with the hope that others will feel inspired to pursue their educational dreams as well. That said, whatever our life circumstances, these stories leave

all of us inspired.

—Gretchen Ferber, Visiting Lewis Hine Documentary Fellow

Photographs and interviews by Gretchen Ferber.  The handwritten text by the students.

Sara

Rhonda

Thomas

Benjamin

Rejoice

Atarah

Raymond

Barry

Christina and Dashean

Comfort

LaKeesha

Wanita