AC GED and ESL Programs Open Doors to New Futures

For adults who feel it may be too late to return to school, Jerrad Lorlovick’s journey proves that a second chance can change everything.

At 35, with a family to support and a lifelong dream of becoming a meteorologist, Lorlovick found himself stuck after being scammed out of $400 by a fake online diploma program.

“They got $400 out of me,” he said. “I worked hard for that. It was disappointing.”

Instead of giving up, Lorlovick enrolled in Amarillo College’s GED program, designed to help adult learners earn a high school equivalency credential and move forward with confidence.

“We sold everything except for our daughter’s belongings,” Lorlovick said. “My wife and I shared one car. I drove Uber and DoorDash while I studied.”

Lorlovick’s classes were part of AC’s 14-week GED preparation program, which includes Math, ELAR (Reading & Writing), Science and Social Studies combo. Like all GED and ESL students, he began with a required orientation, where students complete enrollment paperwork, take placement tests (for ESL), learn about class expectations, explore career pathways, and receive guidance on schedules and payment.

Each GED or ESL class costs $150 per course, with payment due at registration. 

“It wasn’t easy,” Lorlovick said. “I failed the math test twice.”

With support from Amarillo College tutor Chuck Jones, he passed on his third attempt.

“Chuck helped me get it on the third try,” he said.

Last May, Lorlovick walked across the stage in cap and gown, with his wife and daughter cheering him on.

“It meant a lot to finally get my education,” he said. 

Today, Lorlovick covers Panhandle stories and weather for ABC7 News, warning residents of incoming storms—all because he took the first step through Amarillo College’s adult education programs.

“If it wasn’t for Amarillo College allowing me to get my GED and working with me,” he said, “I would not be where I am today.”

He is now enrolled at Mississippi State University studying broadcast meteorology and hopes to return to AC one day—as a speaker and mentor for other adult learners.