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A parent’s love for their child knows no bounds, because it pushes them outside themselves while simultaneously causing a forced introspection.

Two Blount County residents, in particular, have found this love has provided them with the wings to soar above their fears — and inspired them to earn a General Educational Development (GED) diploma through the Blount County Adult Education program.

Hagar Luhrssen had thought about getting a GED since immigrating nine years ago to the United States. Luhrssen, who had attended high school in her native Israel, thought she still needed to earn a GED.

“I wanted to experience education in this country in some way. I’d lost some confidence and I wanted to regain it. It just took me a while,” said Luhrssen, noting an insecurity she has with her English communication skills.

Luhrssen then revealed her life’s story in a rich, elegant prose. “I was 20 years old when I came to the U.S. in 1999. My dad grew up in the states, and he moved to Israel when he was 20 years old. It was like closing up a circle,” she said.

Luhrssen’s father grew up in Brooklyn, and she even briefly lived in New York City. Luhrssen then moved to Tennessee, so she could be closer to an older sister, and this one decision changed her life.

“My husband was born in Texas, I was born in Israel, we met in Tennessee and we had a baby in Blount County. You never know what to expect in life,” she noted.

The Luhrssen’s daughter, Ella, has become the greatest joy in Hagar’s life.

“I have a 16-month-old girl who makes me want to be better, and I want to be better for her. She is my greatest motivation in life,” she said.

“After recovering from having her, and a few months of sleep deprivation, I decided that I shouldn’t wait any longer to get my GED,” said Luhrssen.

She participated in the Blount County Adult Education program for several weeks in April and May, and Luhrssen took her GED test in June. She has since been named the program’s valedictorian.

“I’m now at the beginning of the path, and I want to continue my education,” said Luhrssen, who is still considering what she wants to study in college.

Son’s graduation inspires father

Tony Dezearn dropped out of school nearly 25 years ago. The 40-year-old had several reasons for taking the GED test including his desire to change careers.

“I have been in home improvement since high school and, lately with the economy, it’s going down the drain. At 40 years old, I felt like if it is time for a change then now is a good time,” said Dezearn.

He also wanted to earn a degree before his son, Brandon, graduates in May from William Blount High School.

“I was always working, and I didn’t feel like I ever had the time (to go back to school),” explained Dezearn. “With my son graduating, I felt I needed to do the same for me at least,” he said. “My mom is tickled to death. It took me 40 years to realize I needed an education.”

“I tease my son all the time that I’m graduating before him. He seems to be real proud of me. He helped me quite a bit with my math,” said Dezearn. “The best part was accomplishing what I set out to do. Now it’s about going to school, getting a job and bettering my family and myself,” he said. “I figure I was pretty lucky to go back after 25 years and graduate in 45 days. It’s just now starting to sink in.”

Dezearn’s graduation today will not compare to his son’s graduation in May, he said. “It will be the highlight of my life ... seeing him walk across the stage.”

Dezearn will further his education at Tennessee Tech University, and he plans on majoring in computer science technology.