| "I began working at DeKalb Tech in 1975. I was working on my master’s degree in education and wanted to work part-time. I was talking to someone at my church and mentioned to them that I wanted to teach but just on a part-time basis. The person asked if I had considered working with adults. I didn’t know there were classes for adults. I called the director of the Adult Education Program at DeKalb Tech, went to an interview and was successful in gaining employment. I began teaching a GED (General Educational Development) class on the Clarkston Campus from 12:00-3:00 Monday-Friday. I loved it!! I remember thinking how rewarding it is to see immediate results when you were helping an adult and when they received their GED. It is wonderful. Adult students are very appreciative. The pride they have when they find out they passed their GED is always refreshing and stays with me!
I worked part-time for over 20 years at many different locations, many different schedules and various responsibilities. Adult Literacy is a wonderful, rewarding field to work in. Everyday is different and there is never a dull moment! The best part is that you feel like you are making a difference in people’s lives. In 2001 I was named Director of Adult Literacy and in 2002 the Administrative Offices of Adult Literacy moved to the Buford Highway Center. This was the first time I had the opportunity to get to know the ESL (English as a Second Language) Program as well as the ABE(Adult Basic Education)/GED Program. I have concluded that the ESL students at Buford Highway are the BEST Students in the world. They are so thankful to have the opportunity to come to school and they work hard to achieve the American Dream. They know that the only way they can do that is through education. This is a wonderful place to be!
DeKalb Tech is such a special place to work because of the people I work with, administration, faculty and staff, and the people I work for, the students. I can’t imagine working anyplace else." |
