MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It was a night of new beginnings for dozens of students graduating and earning their GED with the Literacy Services of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

“It means a lot because I actually dropped out almost ten years ago," said Graduate Adriana Orozco Flores. "So, finally after ten years, I’m going to get my GED.”

It was an emotional day Thursday night, Sept. 4, as students crossed the stage with a big smile, looking back on their journey to get there and ready for a fresh start.

For Flores, earning her GED is more than just a degree, it's a promise.

“So, I actually had two miscarriages, and it was a promise to them, that I was going to come back to school and actually finish this time," said Flores. "I actually got two tattoos. I got one with the first babies and my second babies.”

Flores was one of around 50 graduates walking the stage in Milwaukee, something she says she wouldn’t have been able to do without her angel babies.

"How would I expect my child to cross the stage when I never did myself," said Flores. "So, they became a motivation to come back to school.”

The Literacy Services of Wisconsin offers free adult education, helping to reduce learning barriers so students can get a new start in their education and careers.

“Reducing barriers to employment advancement is a huge topic in our city right now and so many of our students have overcome so much to walk across the stage tonight," said Holly McCoy, the executive director, of the Literacy Services of Wisconsin.

Graduate Felipe Irizarry, a father of four who's now two years sober, is a testament to that.  He says he wouldn’t be walking the stage without support from his teachers and family.

"If a young kid, troubled kid from the south side of Milwaukee can be here today and graduate, you can do it," said Irizarry "I’ve been through a lot, maybe not as many, but I’ve been through as much as anybody has and listen, I’m here. I’m blessed.