A young woman plans to pursue business studies at Georgia State University after graduating from the Bermuda College — thanks to the Adult Education School.

Mikhyla Ming, who will be working in South Africa and Costa Rica with three other young Bermudians this summer, shared her goals during the AES graduation ceremony yesterday.

Ms Ming admitted she had felt unmotivated to earn her General Education Diploma when she enrolled at AES.

However the support from volunteers and tutors there gave her the impetus to persevere and get the certificate.

She explained: “The school is a really caring environment and the volunteers and tutors guide and help you achieve your dreams.

“People get a lot of benefits from receiving this certificate in their overall life — it’s always a good thing to have.”

Ms Ming was one of 15 graduates honoured during the ceremony at The Reefs resort.

They were the first cohort of graduates since the programme relaunched in 2022.

Ernest Peets, chairman of the AES board, told graduates that earning a certificate through the alternative school spoke to their commitment not just to improving themselves, but boosting their families’ lives.

He added: “This accomplishment is a reflection of hard work, determination and qualities that will support and guide you in your journey going forward.”

Dr Peets, who attended AES years ago, said students’ certificates stood as a “beacon and symbol of your capability and your readiness to embrace new possibilities”.

“More importantly, let it serve as a reminder that you have the power within you to change circumstances and create the type of life that you really want.”

Graduate Miguel Custodio, who received his GED within two months, said the tutors were “very helpful, very kind and work with us throughout the way”.

Mr Custodio will be attending the Bermuda College and hopes to work in technology after graduating.

Richard Bean picked up a Core certificate from the National Centre for Construction Education and Research through AES.

NCCER’s Core programme prepares students for careers in construction.

Mr Bean, who plans ultimately to work in veterinary science, said he found it a challenge getting through the programme while having a job and social life.

However, he said AES tutors “support and care for us, help us and, when we’re in desperate need of their attention, listen to us to know what our problems are and will try to sort it our for us”.

• To learn more about AES, visitaesbda.org, e-mail aesbda@gmail.com or call 705-6677.