By Allison Peck
When Ian McCoy takes the stage June 23 as the student speaker for Mid-Plains Community College's GED graduation ceremony, he'll share a story of perseverance, personal transformation and the determination to silence years of self-doubt.
McCoy, of North Platte, once believed earning a high school diploma was out of reach. Struggling academically, he was held back in school and watched classmates move on without him. Eventually, he dropped out of high school to help care for his grandparents after both suffered serious injuries.
"There was a point where I didn't want to do anything. I wanted to just slowly die," McCoy said. "My grandma was always there to pick me back up."
Encouraged by his grandmother, McCoy enrolled in MPCC's GED program in 2019. But the COVID-19 pandemic soon forced classes online, creating new challenges for McCoy, who said severe ADHD made it difficult to stay focused and motivated while learning independently.
After returning to in-person instruction, McCoy admitted he continued to struggle, sometimes sitting in class pretending to study while battling negative thoughts.
Everything changed when he decided he was tired of listening to the critical voice in his head.
"I just got sick and tired of hearing it," McCoy said.
He created a daily schedule, improved his sleep habits and began walking a mile each day. The routine led to a dramatic transformation. McCoy lost 110 pounds, improved his mental health and found a new sense of confidence and happiness.
With renewed determination, he completed his final three GED exams in just three months, overcoming his most difficult subject: math.
McCoy credits MPCC instructors Renee Miller and Robin Rankin for helping him succeed.
"Renee and Robin created an environment where I felt safe enough to overcome my anxiety and finally ask for help," he said.
McCoy earned his GED on Feb. 24 and quickly found employment, where he now enjoys working on the grill and preparing onion rings at Runza.
Perhaps most meaningful to him is knowing his grandmother — whose encouragement helped keep his goal alive — will be in the audience when he receives his diploma. Recently cleared of a suspected Parkinson's diagnosis, she plans to cheer him on as he delivers his commencement address.
MPCC's GED graduation ceremony begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, in the McDonald-Belton Theater on the North Platte Community College South Campus, 601 W. State Farm Road. The ceremony is open to the public.
The event will also feature remarks from Gigi Berol, outreach administrative assistant for the MPCC Ogallala Community Campus.
Individuals interested in earning their GED through MPCC can enroll beginning July 7 by calling 308-535-3637, emailing rankinr@mpcc.edu or visiting Room 207 on North Campus, 1101 Halligan Drive in North Platte.