Turning-Tough-Lessons-Into-a-Diploma.php
Turning Tough Lessons Into a Diploma
For Malachi Robey, earning his GED from Rock Valley College represents more than finishing school, it marks a shift shaped by hard lessons, and a decision to move forward.
Adult Education Ceremony speaker Malachi Robey receiving his diploma on Thursday, May 14.
鈥淚t didn鈥檛 go the way I thought it would,鈥 Malachi said. 鈥淏ut that鈥檚 life.鈥
In 2020, during his sophomore year, Malachi faced a major choice. When his mother decided to move the family to Ohio for new opportunities, he chose to remain in Freeport at just 16.
鈥淚 thought I had it figured out,鈥 he said. 鈥淢y mom didn鈥檛 agree, but she let me make my own decision.鈥
That decision brought new challenges. Without a strong support system, staying in school became difficult, and eventually Malachi was faced with working to support himself.
鈥淚 had to take care of myself,鈥 he said. 鈥淪chool wasn鈥檛 the focus anymore, but I never fully let it go.鈥
A series of setbacks in 2022, including time spent in jail, forced him to reevaluate his path. His attorney encouraged him to explore getting his GED as a new start, and when the opportunity to return to school came up, he took it.
Malachi enrolled in the GED program at Rock Valley College, balancing school with overnight shifts as a machine operator at a snack manufacturing plant in Freeport. Many days, he went straight from work to class.
鈥淚 was worn out a lot,鈥 he said. 鈥淭here were times I missed class or couldn鈥檛 stay awake. I even tried to convince myself I didn鈥檛 need it, but that wasn鈥檛 true. I was just exhausted.鈥
Even so, he stayed committed. 鈥淢alachi was determined to get his High School diploma and attended class even though his life was very busy,鈥 said Adult Education Instructor Nancy Spahr. 鈥淗e is a humble and appreciative young man. I am very proud of him and wish him the best.鈥
The flexibility of the program helped Malachi complete the program. 鈥淭he people here really supported me,鈥 he said. 鈥淭hey made me feel like I mattered.鈥
That support kept him moving, even on the hardest days. Along the way, he developed an interest in electrical work after watching maintenance teams on the job, something he now hopes to pursue further through Rock Valley College鈥檚 mechatronics program.
鈥淚 like figuring things out,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 want to keep challenging myself.鈥
Outside of school and work, Malachi has explored photography and videography, teaming up with a friend on local shoots, music videos, and events, an interest he plans to continue.
Now part of the 2025鈥2026 graduating class, Malachi reflects on how far he鈥檚 come and what lies ahead.
鈥淭hrough every challenge, Malachi鈥檚 grit and determination stood out, proving that perseverance can turn a dream into a diploma,鈥 said Lori Romero, Adult Education Coordinator.
Malachi鈥檚 advice to others is straightforward:
鈥淚f you鈥檙e thinking about it, just do it. Don鈥檛 quit.鈥
He also encourages others to take initiative, regardless of their situation.
鈥淚f no one signs you up, sign yourself up,鈥 he said. 鈥淪tay focused. There will always be distractions, but if you keep going, you鈥檒l reach your goal.鈥
鈥淚n 2024, I decided to go back. I knew it would be tough, but I was ready.鈥
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