Brittany Leadingham
Brittany Leadingham was referred to Greenup County Learning Center for a Job Readiness Class. She had graduated from high school and had a child that she had been staying at home to raise for her first 2 years. Brittany wanted to continue her education, but was apprehensive about social interactions and needed support to take those first steps and enroll in college. By attending classes at the Learning Center, she regained much needed confidence in herself. She was motivated by her daughter, wanting to better herself to provide an example that even if she takes a different path than going straight to college after high school, she can still achieve a lot in her life.
Brittany was also motivated by the staff at the Greenup County Learning Center. No matter how frustrated she was, the staff was always willing to jump in and help. She was never afraid to ask questions and never worried about moving on to another problem without understanding. She never felt judged by the staff at the learning center and knew that they would be there for the support she needed while attending her college classes. The staff was welcoming and willing to listen.
The most challenging thing about college for Brittany was the amount of time spent on homework. She grew to love her online classes because she could work on her courses whenever she had the time and not worry about missing work to attend class. Brittany learned to do homework every day, even if just a little, in order to keep on top of her studies.
When asked what advice Brittany would give to someone in a similar situation, her response was:
Don’t be afraid to take that first step. It might be the scariest, but it will be the most rewarding.
Brittany now has an Associate Degree in Applied Science/Business Management. She is employed full time at Slone Refrigeration and is currently being trained in every department, although her favorite department is the bookkeeping department. She also started an online business called Coene’s Crochet and Concoctions {https://www.facebook.com/CoenesCrochet/?fref=tag} where she makes and sells crocheted items and essential oil mixes. What makes her happy is bringing warmth and wellness into people’s lives.
Brittany was also motivated by the staff at the Greenup County Learning Center. No matter how frustrated she was, the staff was always willing to jump in and help. She was never afraid to ask questions and never worried about moving on to another problem without understanding. She never felt judged by the staff at the learning center and knew that they would be there for the support she needed while attending her college classes. The staff was welcoming and willing to listen.
The most challenging thing about college for Brittany was the amount of time spent on homework. She grew to love her online classes because she could work on her courses whenever she had the time and not worry about missing work to attend class. Brittany learned to do homework every day, even if just a little, in order to keep on top of her studies.
When asked what advice Brittany would give to someone in a similar situation, her response was:
Don’t be afraid to take that first step. It might be the scariest, but it will be the most rewarding.
Brittany now has an Associate Degree in Applied Science/Business Management. She is employed full time at Slone Refrigeration and is currently being trained in every department, although her favorite department is the bookkeeping department. She also started an online business called Coene’s Crochet and Concoctions {https://www.facebook.com/CoenesCrochet/?fref=tag} where she makes and sells crocheted items and essential oil mixes. What makes her happy is bringing warmth and wellness into people’s lives.
Rachia Horn
Rachia Horn came to the Greenup Adult Learning center for Job Readiness classes as a requirement of KTAP (Kentucky Temporary Assistance Program). She was at first disappointed by the requirement, because she didn’t really want to go back to work yet; she wanted to go back to school. With a high school diploma and certification as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), she always felt like she could be much more. Rachia states, “The reason I got on KTAP was to get the assistance I needed in order to help me go back to school.” After attending the first few classes, Rachia realized that the classes at the Greenup Learning Center were more than just job placement skills. In addition to learning how to interview, write effective resumes, and research career options, she learned other important skills as well. She learned strategies to improve her reading comprehension, real-life math skills, and teamwork skills, along with test-taking and study skills. She realized that she was actually preparing herself to go to college and made an appointment with the Commonwealth Educational Opportunity Counselor, Dean Crawford, to discuss options about enrolling at Ashland Community & Technical College and applying for financial aid.
When asked what events in her life have led her to where she is now, Rachia says, “As my kids have gotten older, I decided to get myself completely sober and reach my goal of going back to school. It took me 15 years to get sober and I have done it completely on my own.” When her son told her last year that he wanted to quit school at the age of 16, she decided to show him by example the importance of an education. “I feel like I have never finished anything I started. I wanted to show him that even though I am 37 years old, it’s never too late to better yourself. I didn’t want my son to be a quitter.” The two sat down together and made an agreement that he would finish high school if she goes to college. Always feeling drawn to the medical field, Rachia plans on completing an Associates of Science in Medical Assistance. “This is something I have been wanting to do for years,” she states.
Although Rachia completed her Job Readiness classes at the Greenup Learning Center, she is still attending the program for College Prep. Rachia has entered the Work & Learn Program, a program designed to help students be successful in college and find meaningful employment that is flexible enough to not interfere with a rigorous course schedule. She states, “Through the Work & Learn Program, I have an awesome support system. It keeps me motivated.” She also states that she feels like she has learned more in the past three months than she did in four years of high school. A lot of that learning comes from being mature enough now to appreciate what she has and to have a purpose for what she is learning. “On a bad day, the ladies at the Learning Center build me up and keep me encouraged. They help me keep my sobriety by staying busy. I feel like I am going to be somebody instead of a worthless nobody. I feel smart. I’ve never felt that way before. It’s also pretty awesome that I will be attending school with my kids.” Rachia says.
When asked her advice to others that may be in her same type of situation, Rachia encourages others to always better themselves. She states, “You can do anything you want to in life, but you have to do it yourself. Don’t set your goals too high, but be sure to set goals. Going back to school is one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
When asked what events in her life have led her to where she is now, Rachia says, “As my kids have gotten older, I decided to get myself completely sober and reach my goal of going back to school. It took me 15 years to get sober and I have done it completely on my own.” When her son told her last year that he wanted to quit school at the age of 16, she decided to show him by example the importance of an education. “I feel like I have never finished anything I started. I wanted to show him that even though I am 37 years old, it’s never too late to better yourself. I didn’t want my son to be a quitter.” The two sat down together and made an agreement that he would finish high school if she goes to college. Always feeling drawn to the medical field, Rachia plans on completing an Associates of Science in Medical Assistance. “This is something I have been wanting to do for years,” she states.
Although Rachia completed her Job Readiness classes at the Greenup Learning Center, she is still attending the program for College Prep. Rachia has entered the Work & Learn Program, a program designed to help students be successful in college and find meaningful employment that is flexible enough to not interfere with a rigorous course schedule. She states, “Through the Work & Learn Program, I have an awesome support system. It keeps me motivated.” She also states that she feels like she has learned more in the past three months than she did in four years of high school. A lot of that learning comes from being mature enough now to appreciate what she has and to have a purpose for what she is learning. “On a bad day, the ladies at the Learning Center build me up and keep me encouraged. They help me keep my sobriety by staying busy. I feel like I am going to be somebody instead of a worthless nobody. I feel smart. I’ve never felt that way before. It’s also pretty awesome that I will be attending school with my kids.” Rachia says.
When asked her advice to others that may be in her same type of situation, Rachia encourages others to always better themselves. She states, “You can do anything you want to in life, but you have to do it yourself. Don’t set your goals too high, but be sure to set goals. Going back to school is one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
Misty Hurley
The Greenup Learning Center would like to take some time out and brag on one of our students. Misty Hurley has been a dedicated and motivated learner from day one. She came to us as a referral from the Ready to Work program, and fit in from the moment she walked in the door. Misty always has a positive attitude and states, “The atmosphere here is like family. I always feel comfortable and welcome. I currently do not have a computer at home and I can always come here to use the internet.”
Misty will be starting a new chapter in her life this summer as she has enrolled in ACTC to further her education. She has been internally driven and all her hard work has paid off. After working to improve her math abilities, she raised her COMPASS scores tremendously and tested out of ALL remedial classes. Misty says, “They knew where I needed to focus to help raise my scores. They even provided good test-taking skills that you can’t learn from a book.” Her long term educational goal is to become a Social Worker. Taking this first step for anyone can be overwhelming, but Misty says, “Now that I’m enrolled in college, I will still utilize the GED center for additional help with my classes. Knowing that I have help here and extra tutoring helps me and motivates me in college.”
When I asked Misty what were some things about the Greenup Learning Center that she liked the best, she answered saying, “They take time to individualize with each student, which helps. They also have great advice for me when confronted with life’s problems. They are able to point me in the right direction and give good resources that I didn’t know was available to me in Greenup County.”
The Greenup Learning Center is very proud of Misty. We all constantly learn from each other, and I hope we can continue to be a positive influence on her and her family. When students enroll here, they never leave. We strive to stay in contact with each and every student, and to always provide quality service to our community.
Misty will be starting a new chapter in her life this summer as she has enrolled in ACTC to further her education. She has been internally driven and all her hard work has paid off. After working to improve her math abilities, she raised her COMPASS scores tremendously and tested out of ALL remedial classes. Misty says, “They knew where I needed to focus to help raise my scores. They even provided good test-taking skills that you can’t learn from a book.” Her long term educational goal is to become a Social Worker. Taking this first step for anyone can be overwhelming, but Misty says, “Now that I’m enrolled in college, I will still utilize the GED center for additional help with my classes. Knowing that I have help here and extra tutoring helps me and motivates me in college.”
When I asked Misty what were some things about the Greenup Learning Center that she liked the best, she answered saying, “They take time to individualize with each student, which helps. They also have great advice for me when confronted with life’s problems. They are able to point me in the right direction and give good resources that I didn’t know was available to me in Greenup County.”
The Greenup Learning Center is very proud of Misty. We all constantly learn from each other, and I hope we can continue to be a positive influence on her and her family. When students enroll here, they never leave. We strive to stay in contact with each and every student, and to always provide quality service to our community.
Vashti Watson
What can you do after you get your GED? Ask Vashti Watson, who received her diploma in March of 2013. Vashti is currently enrolled in college at ACTC working towards a major in Nursing and a minor in Psychology. She plans to transfer to a four-year college when finishing her requirements. She just completed 40 hours of volunteer work at Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital in Patient Information. Her current schedule includes Anatomy and Physiology and Developmental Psychology along with Math 065 and an HSE class which provides opportunities to meet many people that work in the health sciences fields. Next semester will include CNA class and BIO 139, which introduces the Cardiovascular System.
Currently Vashti is enjoying college life and tries to encourage others to reach their educational goals. She was nominated by her professors to run for the Student Government Association for the position of Secretary. Voting will take place on April 24th at the college. One of her most endearing qualities is considered being the most versatile, being easily adaptable between tasks.
When asked the secret to her success in college, Vashti explained that her organization skills is what she relies upon. She keeps every class separated into different folders and even organizes each folder to sort notes from handouts and assignments. She also utilizes the school’s Blackboard software, a virtual classroom where students can communicate between instructors and other students in a learning environment and course management system. She can replay the professor’s lectures in audio as often as needed. While all these tools are very helpful for Vashti, she proclaims that her kids are her biggest motivators that keep her on track in college. She keeps herself focused on her studies knowing that she will be able to provide better for their needs and their future by finishing her degree. One of her biggest challenges has been getting used to her professors’ different teaching styles and connecting those teaching styles to her personal learning styles to get the most out of her coursework.
Vashti says that studying at the Greenup Learning Center helped to prepare her for her college career by increasing her study skills and knowing that she has the support of the staff behind her if she needs help. Not only did GED classes help her reach her goal of getting her GED, but she also continued coming to study for her Compass test. Because of her dedication and extra studying, she was able to bypass any developmental classes and intermediate reading classes and focus directly on the courses she needed for her degree. Her time at the learning center helped her not feel like a fish out of water, and be better prepared for the course load. Vashti’s advice to others is to ask for help when you need it. No one is going to know you even need help if you don’t ask.
In her spare time between semesters or during holidays, Vashti likes to stop in and visit the Greenup Learning Center and offers help to others that may be struggling with their classwork, or may just need a few words of encouragement to take the leap into college coursework. She knows first-hand how hard it can be, but also believes in others that they can do it if they put their mind to it. She did!
The Greenup Learning Center staff would like to extend a big congratulations to Vashti for all she has accomplished in her life so far. We are always here for our students and are so proud of all of our students when they work towards furthering their education! Learning is and always will be a lifelong process!
Currently Vashti is enjoying college life and tries to encourage others to reach their educational goals. She was nominated by her professors to run for the Student Government Association for the position of Secretary. Voting will take place on April 24th at the college. One of her most endearing qualities is considered being the most versatile, being easily adaptable between tasks.
When asked the secret to her success in college, Vashti explained that her organization skills is what she relies upon. She keeps every class separated into different folders and even organizes each folder to sort notes from handouts and assignments. She also utilizes the school’s Blackboard software, a virtual classroom where students can communicate between instructors and other students in a learning environment and course management system. She can replay the professor’s lectures in audio as often as needed. While all these tools are very helpful for Vashti, she proclaims that her kids are her biggest motivators that keep her on track in college. She keeps herself focused on her studies knowing that she will be able to provide better for their needs and their future by finishing her degree. One of her biggest challenges has been getting used to her professors’ different teaching styles and connecting those teaching styles to her personal learning styles to get the most out of her coursework.
Vashti says that studying at the Greenup Learning Center helped to prepare her for her college career by increasing her study skills and knowing that she has the support of the staff behind her if she needs help. Not only did GED classes help her reach her goal of getting her GED, but she also continued coming to study for her Compass test. Because of her dedication and extra studying, she was able to bypass any developmental classes and intermediate reading classes and focus directly on the courses she needed for her degree. Her time at the learning center helped her not feel like a fish out of water, and be better prepared for the course load. Vashti’s advice to others is to ask for help when you need it. No one is going to know you even need help if you don’t ask.
In her spare time between semesters or during holidays, Vashti likes to stop in and visit the Greenup Learning Center and offers help to others that may be struggling with their classwork, or may just need a few words of encouragement to take the leap into college coursework. She knows first-hand how hard it can be, but also believes in others that they can do it if they put their mind to it. She did!
The Greenup Learning Center staff would like to extend a big congratulations to Vashti for all she has accomplished in her life so far. We are always here for our students and are so proud of all of our students when they work towards furthering their education! Learning is and always will be a lifelong process!
Sweets
Sweets is a man with a big heart! He is always willing to help someone in need. He is a jack of all trades, so whatever you need, he can probably do! Sweets was born and raised in South Carolina but now lives in Greenup and visits the Learning Center regularly to improve his skills.
Sweets enjoys watching baseball and football and cheering on his precious South Carolina Game Cocks! You might even occasionally find him watching the UK Wildcats with his friends. He also likes watching the races, and tries to go to one at least once a year.
Sweets is a man with a big heart! He is always willing to help someone in need. He is a jack of all trades, so whatever you need, he can probably do! Sweets was born and raised in South Carolina but now lives in Greenup and visits the Learning Center regularly to improve his skills.
Sweets enjoys watching baseball and football and cheering on his precious South Carolina Game Cocks! You might even occasionally find him watching the UK Wildcats with his friends. He also likes watching the races, and tries to go to one at least once a year.