GED Graduates Find Path to a Better Quality of Life
Thirty-Four Students Earned a GED at JWCC During 2022-23 Academic Year
John Wood Community College recently celebrated the achievements of thirty-four students who earned their GED (General Educational Diploma) credential throughout the 2022-23 academic year.
The GED consists of four sub-tests in language, social studies, math, and science and is equivalent to a high school diploma. Students receiving instruction from JWCC may also simultaneously enroll in career and technical certificate coursework while completing their GED to jumpstart a career path.
Three students, Shawna Freeman, McKenzie Peacock and Melissa Walker completed nationally recognized credentials from the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council that ladder into several advanced manufacturing certificates and degrees offered through JWCC’s Workforce Development Center.
For Melissa Walker, taking the first step to complete her GED in January changed her quality of life in just six months.
“I was in the same job for 12 years and thought about a different path a lot, but was stuck in the comfort of it all,” she shared. “I was playing it safe but wasn’t truly happy.”
Walker met with her instructor Judy Taylor in January and set a goal to complete her GED in February.
“Judy thought that was quick turnaround given I hadn’t been in school for 20 years, but she asked what my goal was and that was it.” “I took the pre-test and found that I was better prepared than I thought, so that gave me more motivation.”
Six weeks later in February, Walker completed her GED. At that time JWCC offered free courses to complete Certified Logistics Certificates, so she completed two in another eight weeks.
During the June ceremony where GED graduates were celebrated, Walker was the featured speaker and honored with the Paul Health Scholarship, which she plans to use to cover future tuition costs as when she continues her path to an associate degree at John Wood.
“Knowing what I accomplished in just a couple months makes me feel confident,” Walker said. “Whatever is next, I’ve got it. My kids have seen me do this for us and are proud. To make your life better, you have to get a little uncomfortable. Taking that first step and being uncomfortable led to a new perspective, a new job and another path to keep growing.”
GED classes will begin the week of August 21st at locations throughout the JWCC district. For Information on class times and locations or to sign up for an orientation session, go to www.jwcc.edu/ged or contact Lisbeth Lefler by phone: 217.641.4951, text: 573-494-2114 or email: llefler@jwcc.edu.
