Their stories are different, but the conclusion is the same: It’s never too late to get a GED.
Carolyn B. Williams, director of the GED program at Southwest Mississippi Community College, has been helping local residents study for and complete their GED for more than 20 years.
The lack of a high school diploma or GED can be the biggest barrier between applicants getting a job. But, completing GED courses and passing the test can also lead to bigger things.
“It’s not just about getting a job. It’s about starting a habit of putting time and effort into your future now and building on it,” Williams said.
Many people looking for a job find the hunt for employment to be a difficult endeavor. And when some do find a job, it’s often one that shows little future, low pay and limited advancement.
But persistence can pay off.
Angela Robbins, who took the GED test five times, knows this all too well.
Robbins found out she was pregnant at 16. She was picked on at school as a result. To avoid the criticism, she decided to drop out.
What happened next is a familiar tale to those in similar situations. Angela soon realized she needed money to take care of herself and her baby. She worked extra hours at a dead-end job just to make ends meet.
Robbins wanted a better life for herself and her kids, but didn’t think she would be able to fit GED classes into her busy schedule. Plus, she had taken the test four times before — and failed each time. It was beginning to look as though she would be resigned to the same fate as many of her friends.
Robbin’s friends often talked about how they should get their GEDs, but when it came down to it, there was always a reason they couldn’t follow through.
In Robbins’ case, she buddied up with another student. This helped both of them commit to the classes.
“We could bounce things off of one another. She would ask me questions and I would ask her questions. We went to school together and studied together. It helped,” she said.
Now Robbins has a different perspective on the value of education. The lesson she learned — and the difficulty of trying to survive without a GED — is now instilled in her children. Robbins is determined to prevent the same thing that happened to her, from happening to them.
“I know what it’s like. I know how valuable it is,” she said.
• • •
Loren Smith was in a similar situation.
She, too, had kids at an early age and found it difficult to find the time to fit GED classes into her schedule.
Looking back, she said she should have made a better effort in high school.
And, her frustration with low-paying jobs became overwhelming. That’s when Smith decided to do everything she could to improve her life and the lives of her children.
“I looked around and I decided I didn’t want to live like this, to struggle so much. I wanted to get a job I could be proud of. I also wanted to prove to my kids I could do it,” she said.
Since completing her GED, Smith has been on the dean’s list at the college for three out of four semesters. She wants to pursue a degree in the health information technology field and plans to continue her studies at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
“I want to start out in the emergency room. That’s where you learn a little bit of everything. Then I would like to go into medical records,” she said.
Her dream could well become a reality sooner than later.
“I have an interview with the hospital (today). I’m excited,” she said.
• • •
Michael Evans used to be bored with academics and high school.
He scored well on his ACT, so it was never about potential — he just needed something more challenging.
Evans decided to try and get his GED ahead of schedule.
Now, Evans is in his third semester at SMCC and is studying pre-engineering. He wants to work or teach in the field of chemical engineering. He travels 45 minutes from Columbia to school and back. His enthusiasm for learning has been rekindled. He now sits in the front row.
• • •
Williams has a few tips to assist GED students. The college has three courses a day to be compatible with a student’s schedule. Students can attend anyone of them.
“We want to make sure we are available to students with busy schedules of their own. Anyone that wants to take the test is able to,” Williams said.
Since there are four separate tests for the GED, she said students have greater success taking one test at a time.
“I recommend students study one subject at a time. When they are comfortable, I suggest they take the test while it’s still fresh in their minds. Then, they go on to the next subject. This keeps it from being overwhelming,” Williams said.
Williams also suggested students start with their weakest area first.
Despite the successes of Smith, Robbins and Evans, it’s impossible to know who will go on to study for the GED. Applicants often say they are aware of the limitations placed on them without a GED, but the ultimate proof is measured by class attendance.
“I’ve heard every excuse out there. And I have a solution for all of them. It can be difficult, but there’s is nothing that can prevent you from getting your GED, if you are serious about it,” Williams said.
Joanna Anderson-Boss, director of the WIN Job Center in McComb, agreed.
“We give job applicants all the information they need. We have the course schedule, class times and informational material that will help them with the classes. But that is a decision they need to make,” Anderson-Boss said. “There’s no guarantee applicants will follow up. Even though, they know how important it might be for their future.”
Williams said about half of the people who say they are trying to get their GED actually show up for class. Out of that number, only about half pass the test.
She said unfortunately, some parents don’t put a high value on education, and in some cases, that’s where the path to dropping out of school begins.
“I’ll get calls from parents who say that their kid won’t get out of bed in the morning. That’s where it starts — with the parents. They need to show an appreciation for the value of education,” Williams said.
Despite the frustration of having applicants who don’t follow through, Williams said the success stories make it all the more satisfying when students rise to the challenge.
“These students make it worth it. I am extremely proud of them. They show that anyone can do it. It just takes a little bit of sacrifice,” she said.
The free GED classes are offered every Monday through Thursday at 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. SMCC also offers night classes every Tuesday and Thursday at 5 p.m.
For more information, call Williams at 276-3846.
