By Phillip Hill, BridgeBuilders' Ministry Associate
Booker T. Washington said it well when he stated, “success is not measured by the position you reach in life but by the obstacles you overcome.” And in the case of Clifton Reese, now a G.E.D recipient, this rubric of measuring success by Washington deems Clifton an emerging success in life. Despite being faced with the challenge of growing up in a single parent home, where his father was absent and in an atmosphere infested with drugs, violence, and poverty, Clifton has exceeded the expectations of many and attained his G.E.D. In addition to his education progress, Clifton is a committed student of the word of God and enjoys opportunities to encourage others to find hope in Christ. He regularly attends weekly bible study and attributes his inspiration to pursue his G.E.D to the encouragement and hope he found in studying God’s word. Two of his favorite verses in the bible are Luke 22:31-32 where Jesus informs Peter "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
Clifton gives thanks to his whole network of supporters especially his family, the entire BridgeBuilders’ staff, and his G.E.D class instructor Ms. Busse. Clifton is currently in college training as an optical lens lab assistant and hopes to continue to increase his earning potential and positive influence in his community.
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