Kim Riddle earned her GED this past summer and is currently enrolled at GNTC studying Business Administrative Technology.
Thirty-four years ago Kim Riddle of Fort Oglethorpe left High School, now she is enrolled at Georgia Northwestern Technical College and is studying Business Administrative Technology.
“My husband had to retire at an early age due to health issues so I needed to go back to college and find employment,” said Ms. Riddle. “My main goal was to get back into work.”
Ms. Riddle was one of two recipients of a $500 scholarship awarded by the Catoosa Citizens for Literacy. She completed her General Educational Development diploma this past summer.
“Because of her dedication and perseverance, Catoosa Citizens for Literacy awarded her with a scholarship at the 2014 GED graduation,” said Darla Crawford, education coordinator for Catoosa Citizens for Literacy. “We are all very proud of Kim for pursuing her dreams.”
Ms. Riddle said she was a little apprehensive about returning to school after she had been away for so long, but after she enrolled it was a smoother transition than she had initially thought.
“I think it’s a great program, all the instructors are very helpful, they are willing to help you in any way they can,” said Ms. Riddle. “The volunteers were great help to me in math and anything that you’re struggling in they will go above and beyond to help you.”
Although Ms. Riddle had a smooth transition returning to school, she still had to overcome some barriers along the way.
“It took me nine months and there were times I didn’t think I was going to get through it,” said Ms. Riddle. “But I always wanted to be able to do it and the instructor was there always providing encouragement to me and it felt really good to graduate, it was just a great experience.”
“When obstacles were placed in front of her, she pushed through them. I know there were days that Kim didn’t feel like being in class, but she came anyway and studied intensely to reach her goals,” said Ms. Crawford. “On many occasions we observed her encouraging and mentoring other students who were struggling.”
Ms. Riddle says that anyone considering the GED program should not feel uneasy about it.
“I would encourage anyone, whatever age, to go through the program,” said Ms. Riddle.