When Jaden Hooten walked into a Beaufort CCC classroom to begin his GED, it was an unfamiliar and intimidating experience. He had been homeschooled inconsistently and, for a time, not enrolled in school at all. Despite that, he had developed a love of learning on his own, spending hours with textbooks and lectures. At age 18, he left his parents’ home to pursue a formal education.
“Walking into that classroom after never being in that kind of setting before was frightening,” he recalled. “But the guidance and openness that I found made me realize everything was going to be okay. That confirmed for me that I wanted to pursue education and learning.”
A Fast Path to College
While most homeschooled students can apply directly to the college, Hooten’s neglected educational record meant that he first had to earn his high school equivalency. The process went very quickly, slowed down only by his scheduling constraints, and he decided to pursue an Associate in Arts degree at Beaufort CCC. From here, he plans to transfer to a four-year university and complete a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Seeing More Than Numbers
For Hooten, accounting is not simply about numbers on a page. He views it as a way to help people find stability and peace of mind when it comes to their finances.
“Finances can be a very heavy thing for people,” he said. “I can give them the truth so that they can make the right decisions about their expenditures.”
He especially values the field of managerial accounting, where professionals analyze how businesses use their resources and communicate findings to investors. “You can help people see whether a corporation is trustworthy, that they’re not just throwing money away, but actually being responsible,” he said.
Lessons From Experience
His drive comes from personal experience. Growing up in a family with limited financial resources, he started working at age 15 on a local farm. He quickly learned the importance of budgeting and saving, eventually setting aside nearly $10,000 by the time he turned 18. That discipline allowed him to purchase his first car outright.
“Looking back, I’m really amazed at how it all came together,” he said. “That’s where my desire comes from, seeing how managing money carefully can make a huge difference.”
Choosing Forgiveness
Though his path has not been easy, Hooten emphasizes forgiveness and perspective. He acknowledges that his upbringing presented obstacles but chooses to focus on reconciliation rather than resentment.
“I forgive them, and I want them to be part of my life,” he said of his parents. “But trust isn’t the same anymore, and that’s something I’ve had to accept.”
Finding Support Through College & Career Readiness
Hooten’s experience reflects the broader mission of Beaufort CCC’s College & Career Readiness (CCR) program. Each year, hundreds of students enroll to earn their High School Equivalency (GED) or to learn English as a second language. They, like Hooten, face obstacles that many others could never comprehend and the program equips them with the skills and confidence to pursue college degrees, workforce training, or better employment opportunities.
Hooten has not been afraid to tell his story, and as the keynote speaker at his GED graduation, he invited his classmates to embrace their own stories.
CCR staff work closely with students to not only prepare them for exams but also to connect them with the college’s other resources. The program is designed to meet students where they are, offering flexible schedules, one-on-one support, and a pathway that opens doors to scholarships and further education. In fact, Hooten was one of a handful of students chosen for a scholarship to help GED students continuing their education.
Moving Forward
For Hooten, the GED program was the first place where he felt supported in his educational journey.
“With everybody’s help and motivation, I was able to get it as fast as I could,” he said.
Now pursuing college-level studies, Hooten sees his story as an example for others.
“If my story can help someone see that they can overcome their circumstances, even when things look impossible, then it’s worth it,” he said.
From the GED classroom to his future career in accounting, Jaden Hooten demonstrates the life-changing impact of access to education. His experience with the College & Career Readiness program let him reset and write a new chapter in his story.