For years, Southwest Regional Adult Education (SRAE) has walked alongside many adult learners as a tool and resource helping them achieve their educational goals and overcome barriers along the way. We’ve learned a lot about what success looks like from those adult learners we have worked with, and we want to continue that journey with others. With that thought in mind, it is my pleasure to continue our “Success Series” featuring an interview with Alecia Vance of Pounding Mill, Virginia.
Alecia Vance needed a high school level credential in order to get a job and start college. She knew family members and friends, including her brother, who had participated in Southwest Regional Adult Education’s GED® test prep program and who recommended the program to her. Alecia first enrolled in a GED® test prep class in Tazewell County and later switched to Donovan Helton’s evening class in Honaker at the end of August 2019 because she needed an evening class.
When asked what she found most appealing about the program, Alecia replied, “As I first started my journey to getting my GED®, I was nervous about whether or not there would be people my age in the class and how helpful the teachers would be. When I went into the class, I realized there were people of all ages both younger and older than I was. I felt a little more comfortable. The teachers I had were so helpful. They didn't look down on me for not finishing my education before now, and they just wanted to see me succeed. I was more excited to go back and finish it when I saw there were others just like me trying to finish their education. You have a lot of support once you go into the program. Whether you have a strong support system behind you before you walk in or if you don't, I can say you'll have a great support system walking out.”
Every adult learner has his or her own set of unique challenges when going back to school. Regarding her challenges, Alecia remarked, “I had already attempted to get my GED® once before and was unable to finish due to other family responsibilities, so I didn't know how it would go in a second time. I knew the tests for the program had changed, but I had so much help in understanding the program and what we had to do to finish. It was a lot easier than I anticipated. The biggest thing I had trouble with was the math, but I realized I wasn't the only one.” Alecia was able to overcome her math challenges with the help of her instructor. She commented, “Mr. Helton was very helpful to the Russell County class I was in; I could not have passed the math otherwise. He took the time to explain concepts in detail and make sure each of us understood each section before moving on.”
Alecia Vance earned her GED® certificate in December 2019 and afterwards began applying for jobs. She was then contacted by Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) to discuss enrolling in college. “I learned so much from going through the GED® program,” Alecia reflected. “Things I thought I would never understand are now much easier for me. I now have the confidence to keep learning more, and I have the confidence that I can enroll in college and follow my dreams.”
Alecia was hired by Cargo at Claypool Hill, where she currently works, and she is looking forward to starting college classes this fall at SWCC. Alecia expressed that she had all the support she needed from the adult education program to help her achieve her goals and gain the confidence she needed to get a job and be excited about college.
Do you need help in reaching your educational goals? Southwest Regional Adult Education is ready to help. Even though our classrooms are closed at this time due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, you can begin your studies with us online and even take a GED® Ready practice test from your home. To register, call 866-581-9935 and leave us your contact information; then, someone from our office will get back to you with all the details on getting started.