A Crofton woman says earning her high school diploma through the General Educational Development (GED) program at Northeast Community College nearly four years ago has opened career doors for her.
Jessica Tomsu grew up in Utah and was homeschooled.
“My work was not state accredited,” she explained, “so I did not get a high school diploma.”
Jessica has often worked two jobs.
“I have always struggled to find a job that could potentially turn into a career without having a diploma or GED,” she said.
Jessica got married and had two children. She said she tried to earn her GED in about 2012, but with a four-year-old daughter and infant son, it was hard to arrange daycare so she could get to the classes, and online classes were not easily accessible. In 2015, the family moved to an acreage near Crofton.
By 2021, GED classes were offered online.
“I had a really great support group then,” Jessica said. “My manager and co-workers at US Cellular were supportive and helpful. My manager even helped me study for the science test because that is probably where I struggled the most.”
Jessica started working on her GED near the end of May 2021, and completed all four required tests by the end of the year.
“They are proctored exams,” Jessica said. “I had to take pictures of the room I was in to show I didn’t have anybody else in there with me or any windows for people to hold up answers.”
Reading comprehension is an issue for Jessica. “I can’t stay focused,” she explained. “It’s easier for me to read out loud so I can actually hear what I’m reading. But during a proctored exam that is not allowed, so it was a little more difficult for me. But I worked through it.”
“I never felt like it was something I was smart enough to do,” Jessica said of earning her GED. “It felt really good to accomplish something that I didn’t think I could.”
In about 2022, US Cellular pulled out of many agent-operated stores, including the one where Jessica worked. But because she had her GED by then, she was eligible to apply for a job with First National Bank of Omaha.
“One thing that was really important to me was to find a job where I could work from home,” Jessica said. Her son is non-verbal autistic with developmental delays, a sensory processing disorder, and epilepsy. Working from home gives her flexibility to provide the care he requires.
“I answer phones for the digital solutions department at First National Bank of Omaha,” she said. “I help customers with their online banking, especially if they struggle to get through the enrollment or need assistance with navigation or mobile wallet activations.
“I really like working at First National Bank of Omaha,” Jessica said. “I’ve worked for locally owned businesses and big corporations. First National Bank of Omaha refers to themselves as ‘the great big small bank,’ and I would say, hands down, that working for a locally owned business is a better experience.”
Jessica’s job with FNBO is a full-time position, and she works Friday nights at a local restaurant. She is also a part-time student at Northeast, working toward an associate of applied science degree in business.
“Having two kids and working two jobs,” Jessica said, “I’m not able to take five or six classes per semester that the typical student does. I’ve been taking two classes per semester, and I’m taking summer classes this year.”
“I’m hoping that earning an associate degree might open other avenues or opportunities to move up within First National Bank of Omaha,” she said.
Jessica’s goal is to earn her associate’s degree in the spring of 2027, the same year her daughter graduates from high school.
Jessica also credits her husband, Jason, for supporting her goals.
“It really helps to have a husband who is a hands-on dad and makes it possible for me to continue my educational journey,” she said.
The Adult Education Program at Northeast offers instruction in basic skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics; preparation and testing for a GED; English language learning instruction; and integrated education and training.
The program is free to anyone 16 years of age or older who is not enrolled in a secondary school.
For more information on the Northeast Adult Education Program, visit the website https://northeast.edu/continuing-ed-workforce/adult-education, email adulteducation@northeast.edu, or call 402-844-7255 (Norfolk) or 402-241-6415 (South Sioux City).
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