A mom and her two sons were among the 140 GED recipients from South Bend's Adult Education program who earned their diplomas on Monday.

"I had kids early, got married early and I decided I wanted to go back and do something else in life after my kids were grown," said Angela Chester.

Angela passed the exam in less than two months and then encouraged her second oldest son, Tim, to go for his GED.

"I was happy for her because she motivated me to go," said Tim Chester. "I wanted to finish school. I didn't do it at an earlier age, 17, 18 I didn't take it seriously, so I was sitting around not doing nothing with my life and decided I’d go back and give it a try. I knew I was capable of it so I decided to do that."

Tim also quickly passed the exams and he and his mother convinced his younger brother to earn his GED.

"My mom and my older brother, they got theirs and they asked me if I would get mine. I put it off for a little while, but I got it," said Marvin Chester. "I got to a certain age and realized I needed my GED to move forward, so I wanted to go back and get it.

The family was recognized by the teachers during the ceremony for their work and encouragement of each other to better their education however their work isn't done yet.

"I have a daughter and a son that I want to see go, my oldest and my youngest, because they [Tim and Marvin] are my middle children. I hope to get them to go," said Angela.