Scholar Spotlight: Charles Clark

Charles Clark’s story is one of resilience. Growing up in an unstable home wrought with mental illness, drug addiction, and divorce left an indelible mark on him, often thrusting him into survival mode.

“Let’s just say I spent half of my life learning what not to do when I got older,” Charles said.

Education on hold

As a teenager trying to survive his home life, Charles’ education took a back seat. He struggled in high school and felt he had no one to turn to, yet he kept trying to push through.

But when Charles reached his senior year, he had an accident at work that caused lifelong damage to his hand along with depression. After he returned to school, he was unable to cope with bullying and low self-esteem and ended up dropping out of school in 2006.

Charles got a job as a dishwasher at Willie’s Sports Café where he found his passion for cooking. He was a dedicated and determined employee and eventually worked his way up to head chef and kitchen manager.

Time for a change

After nearly twenty years in that job, a new desire awakened in Charles. He wanted to expand his horizons and pursue his dream to own his own business.  He felt ready to take a step toward financial stability so he could offer his family something he was deprived of growing up. Watching his stepdaughters graduate from high school motivated Charles to focus on his own education so he could achieve his goals.

With help from Education Matters and AchievePoint’s 22 Plus program, Charles began to move forward.

“After all these years, I found out that I was only ONE class away from getting my diploma,” he said. “It was unbelievable. I thought I was dreaming.”

A breath of fresh air

Upon obtaining his GED, Charles was referred to The Chatfield Edge where he met Program Director, David Hesson.

“David was there to give me guidance,” Charles reflected. “He helped me figure out what field was best for me, where I could do that program, and set me on the right path.”

Charles enrolled at Southern Ohio Technical Institute’s HVAC/R program and recently completed his education program. Now armed with the certifications he needs for his new career in HVAC, Charles is grateful for the support he has received and ready for his future.

“I lost my dad to drugs, but my son still has his dad and that’s me,” Charles said. “I want to get him to a better place. The Chatfield Edge taught me that I could be whatever I put my mind to and I know there are good opportunities ahead.”

If you or someone you know is a non-traditional or first-generation student looking to further your goals through college, trade school, or a certificate program, contact David Hesson at david.hesson@chatfieldedge.org or 513-875-3956. The Chatfield Edge is here to help you find your path to fulfilling your life goals through education.