Goad wanted to graduate from the R.I.S.E. Program, a cosmetology school at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center. On Tuesday, she proudly accepted her certificate of completion with her mom, aunt and two of her children watching.

“This is the first thing I’ve ever accomplished in life, and I knew if I would have left before I had this license, I wouldn’t be able to get out there and be productive like I need to be in society,” said Goad, a blue cap and gown covering her bright orange and pink prison garb. “... I just knew this was where God wanted me to be. He put me in the program for a reason, and I needed to finish it.”