Earning a GED (general education development) certificate comes with more than just extended career options, it also comes with a sense of confidence, according to recent North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) Adult Education graduates.
Tara Ledford, Emily Powell and Brian Amman graduated this past December after receiving instruction through NGTC’s Fannin Adult Education Center and passing accredited GED tests in math, science, reading and writing.
Powell said, “Even if you don’t want to go to college, and even if, you know, even if it wasn’t to get a job, just the confidence alone that you get after you get your GED is worth it.”
The program allows students to come to a class at their own convenience and work at their own pace. The classes are tailored to each person’s level and can be done through a class setting, private or tutored study or online.
Powell said, “I think we both (herself and Ledford) tried a lot of options, and this is the only one where they don’t make you feel dumb.
“They go out of their way to make sure that you are comfortable going at whatever speed you are and that you feel okay to answer even if you don’t know if it’s right.”
Ledford and Powell agreed that Teacher Ms. Donna Earl does a “fantastic” job teaching the students.
“She is really great at wording things in a way that is easy to understand,” Ledford added. “Like at the night school they would have pages of things you were supposed to study and learn for like one thing.”
Each of the graduates said they ended up at NGTC GED school due to circumstances beyond their control.
Ledford explained that she bounced between home school and public school due to health issues.
As a result, she fell behind in classes.
Powell said she had a similar experience.
For anyone considering a GED, Powell said, “Even if you’re scared, get yourself there and just try it, and why not? A lot of people say ‘why,’ but why not?”
Ledford added, “Even if you’re not sure about whether you want to join just come talk to Ms. Teresa (Ross) or Ms. Donna (Earl).”
With their diplomas, the trio agreed they plan to continue their education by going to college.
NGTC’s Fannin Adult Education Center holds classes Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Computer classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Anyone interested in learning more may contact Earl by calling 706-946-3524 or emailing dearl@northgatech.edu.