Justin Mettlin

HiSET/GED Students  |  Student

Justin Mettlin readily admits he didn’t have the drive or focus in high school that he does now, which is one of the factors that led him to SCC’s HiSET program. 

“I have always told people to focus on education and to ‘not end up like me’ while I continued down my same entry-level, low-paying job path.” 

Over the past 15 years, Justin tried other programs, but none of them could grab his attention.

“My wife (Margie) was the one who found out about SCC’s program. I originally only signed up to support my wife and make her feel comfortable in the program.”

Justin didn’t have high hopes. He thought the program would be just like the others he had tried before, that it would be ‘uninspired and bland.’

“After my first day with Mrs. Lorraine, I was hooked. She actually taught me and kept us all engaged.” 

After only a few weeks in the program, Justin learned about SCC’s Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) certificate. The certificate program intrigued him because he was already working in the logistics field. 

“I transferred to the CLT program the next week. The instructors in the program were patient and supportive. They kept me excited to learn new things and focused on obtaining my HiSET.” 

Justin claims that without such great teachers like Kelly Heidt supporting him, he would have failed or lost interest. Now having completed both programs with honors, Justin reflects on what the process meant to him. 

“I really wanted to show my children that hard work and determination do pay off and that education is important. They got the chance to see me accomplish something difficult and saw that I didn’t give up. I’m very happy to show them that hard work leads to success.”

As for Justin’s future, the door is wide open. “I’m currently searching for an entry-level supervisor position to put my newfound knowledge to work,” he said. “I plan on going for my associate degree next.”