GED recipient reflects on addiction recovery after graduating at 47

Rebuilding a Life: Dennis Osmundson’s Journey to Graduation

Like many graduates, Dennis Osmundson is excited to get his diploma. He has aspirations of getting his commercial driver’s license to become a semi-truck driver. But as he gets ready for his next journey, Osmundson reflected on the long road to get here.

A Challenging Past

Osmundson, a recovering alcoholic, will walk the stage on Dec. 14 at 47 years old. In sharing his story, the Lincoln Community Center Mankato Area Adult Basic Education graduate started when he was younger.

In high school, Osmundson didn’t make good decisions and ran with the wrong crowd. He dropped out of school and focused on work. When his family moved back to Minnesota during his senior year, everything changed. Osmundson started drinking and living a destructive lifestyle, which hindered his education and personal growth.

Osmundson has been trying to earn his GED throughout the years, but his addiction got in the way. He would relapse, causing his education to fall by the wayside. However, the idea to pursue his commercial driver’s license sparked a new determination within him.

A Fresh Start

Osmundson initially pursued Riverland Community College in Austin, but they informed him that he would still have to take GED tests. Realizing his math skills were lacking, he decided to give his GED another shot.

This time, Osmundson made a firm commitment to sobriety and focused on achieving his goal of obtaining a commercial driver’s license. He found support in his teacher, Marilyn Solberg, who had previously worked with him through the House of Hope program.

Despite facing early setbacks, Osmundson remained determined and returned to Mankato after completing treatment. He restarted the GED process with Solberg’s guidance. The journey began a year ago, with Osmundson completing each course in about a month while also working to support himself.

Overcoming Challenges

Osmundson faced challenges along the way, particularly in passing the math test. However, he persevered and successfully passed all the required tests. He credits his GED education for improving his reading comprehension skills, which he believes will be valuable in his future career as a truck driver.

Osmundson acknowledges the support he received from his Aunt Cindy and the staff at Wecovery, a sober housing and recovery organization in Mankato. Solberg commends Osmundson for setting short-term goals and taking the necessary steps to achieve them.

Osmundson’s success is notable, considering the current trend of younger individuals pursuing their GED. The Mankato Area ABE Program serves six school districts in the region and has seen a decline in GED graduates over the age of 45. Osmundson is currently the only student in his age group.

Looking Ahead

Osmundson’s achievement has inspired others in the program, and he is now considering whether to pursue his commercial driver’s license at Riverland or South Central College. He believes that obtaining his CDL will open up new opportunities and allow him to excel in his chosen field.

Osmundson’s journey serves as a testament to the power of determination and support in overcoming personal challenges. With his GED in hand, he is ready to hit the road and pursue a brighter future.

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.