Journey & Background
In 2023, Elyas arrived in the United States carrying nothing but his dreams and a relentless work ethic.
Having survived years of displacement across Chad and Sudan, he understood both hardship and the value of education.
The classrooms he had seen standing empty in Chad were a symbol of opportunity denied — a future just out of reach.
Adjusting to life in the United States brought new challenges: learning a new language, adapting to an unfamiliar culture,
and navigating modern communication systems. Because of his age and circumstances, enrolling in a traditional high school
was not an option. Still, Elyas refused to let that become another barrier.
“I am no longer a victim of my circumstances; I am a student ready for the challenges of higher education.”
Earning the GED
When Elyas discovered the GED program, he saw a clear path forward. For a year and a half, he balanced full-time work
with rigorous academic study, dedicating his evenings to mastering English grammar and mathematics. His motivation
remained strong, driven by memories of the opportunities he once lacked.
After classes, he regularly attended the ATTAIN Lab, where he used the Aztec Learning System to strengthen his preparation.
The platform’s practice questions and reading exercises closely mirrored the format of the actual GED exam, helping
build his confidence with each session.
Aztec also provided the flexibility to continue studying outside of the lab, which played a key role in his success.
“Using Aztec helped me a lot in reading and answering questions on the GED — they were similar, so I felt more confident in my ability when taking the exam.”
Building Digital Skills
Earning his GED was only the beginning. Through the ATTAIN Lab, Elyas also pursued digital literacy training, including
Microsoft Word certification. These skills will support both his college studies and future career.
The ATTAIN Lab Experience
For a student navigating so many challenges at once, the ATTAIN Lab provided a supportive and encouraging environment.
“When I came to the ATTAIN Lab, it felt so positive and I felt supported. ATTAIN staff are amazing and guided me to my next step every time I completed a goal.”
Looking Ahead
This fall, Elyas will begin studying Geology at SUNY Oswego. His journey reflects resilience, determination, and a
commitment to lifelong learning.