A Step Forward: Torin’s Story
When Torin Winterton talks about earning his GED, he does so with quiet confidence. He is proud of what he has accomplished and grateful for everyone who supported him along the way.
Torin grew up in Biloxi, Mississippi. Like many students, he started high school with goals for the future. However, during his freshman year, illness made continuing school difficult, and he eventually had to step away. Finishing school still mattered to him, but it took time to find the right path forward.
Throughout everything, his mom encouraged him to keep going. She believed in him, reminded him of his goals, and celebrated every step he took. When he finally earned his diploma, she was just as excited as he was. Talking about her support, Torin said, “She really wanted me to finish school. She had my back the whole time.” Her encouragement helped him stay focused even when progress felt slow.
After months of searching for a GED program, Torin found one through The Salvation Army. This became the turning point. Even on the days he did not feel his best, he continued to show up, complete assignments, and move forward. He also had help along the way, especially from Ms. Michelle, who always had the next assignment ready and took time to explain anything he did not understand.
“I think she was ready for me to move on to bigger, better things,” he said.
The day Torin picked up his printed diploma stands out clearly in his memory. He and Ms. Michelle walked to get it together, celebrating the moment step by step. Staff clapped and cheered, sharing in the achievement with him. It was a simple and joyful moment that reflected how much work had gone into reaching it. Torin remembers thinking, “My favorite part was calling my mom and telling her I finished. I was so excited.”
With his GED behind him, Torin is now looking ahead. College, a degree, and a stable job are goals he feels ready to pursue. Earning his GED did more than check a box for graduation. It gave him direction, confidence, and new opportunities.
Reflecting on why the milestone matters so much, he shared, “Graduating has always been one of my main goals. Now I can take the next steps.”
He is grateful for the role The Salvation Army played in the journey.
“They paid for the testing, for anything we needed. And everyone was so nice,” he said.
Still, progress was made because Torin put in the effort. He kept going. He completed the work. The program provided support, but he is the one who reached the finish line.
Torin hopes that his experience shows others what is possible. Achievement does not always come with dramatic moments or sudden breakthroughs. Sometimes it is a steady effort, small steps, and encouragement from the right people.
Those steps added up, and now Torin is moving confidently into what comes next.