For many students, the path to graduation follows a more traditional route. But for TexasWorks – Abilene student Jade Jensen, her journey took a different, more unconventional path.
Jade’s education was interrupted in May 2020 after the loss of her younger brother, Cameron. In the months that followed, she faced several personal challenges, including addiction, that made it difficult to stay focused on her studies. While seeking stability, she transferred between schools but eventually withdrew from her education entirely. During this period, completing high school began to feel increasingly out of reach.
TexasWorks – Abilene Alum Jade Jensen
With the support of her loved ones, Jade decided to focus on her well-being in January 2024, even beginning a journey toward sobriety. Later that year, she had a chance encounter with Allison Medrano, registrar at Premier High School – Abilene, where she had once been a student. Their conversation rekindled a sense of hope and reopened a door Jade believed was long closed. She learned about TexasWorks, a tuition-free diploma and career certification program for adults ages 18-50.
With encouragement from Allison and those close to her, she enrolled at TexasWorks – Abilene the very next day.
“Other schools felt temporary and unstable,” said Jensen. “But TexasWorks made me feel seen and supported from day one. It was clear that the staff cared about me not just as a student but as a person. I am a much more confident person now because of them.”
With access to personalized instruction, a supportive school environment, and restored motivation, Jade began making steady progress. She re-engaged with her education, rebuilt her confidence, and completed all the requirements for graduation. Earlier this month, Jade achieved something that at one point felt distant—earning her high school diploma.
“At TexasWorks, students like Jade are supported as individuals, with the understanding that life’s challenges do not define one’s ability to succeed,” said TexasWorks – Abilene Campus Director Meredith Goodner. “Students who enroll and complete the program emerge with self-confidence, and the ability to set and reach goals and, most importantly, learn how to believe in themselves again.”
“Programs like TexasWorks are life-changing,” Jade told us. “They offer more than just a second chance at education, they offer a second chance at life. TexasWorks didn’t just help me earn a diploma; it helped me rebuild my future.” Since graduating from TexasWorks earlier this month, Jade has focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and plans to enroll in cosmetology school in the future.
TexasWorks aims to meet students where they are by creating an individualized pathway to graduation and career readiness while ensuring their personal needs and aspirations are supported. Students find not only an educational community but also the space to rewrite their narrative. Her journey reminds us that with support, hard work, and dedication, it is never too late to rewrite your story.
Find a TexasWorks campus near you to learn about the unique educational opportunities these campuses offer adults ages 18-50. For more information or to apply at TexasWorks – Abilene, visit texasworks.com/abilene.
