SPOTLIGHT: JANUARY 2025

Meet Marsha

Adult Education - GED, Paraprofessional certification

Congratulations, Marsha! At 51, she completed both her GED and the paraprofessional certification program in just one semester! She has now earned the credential to work as a paraprofessional in a school district.

Marsha dropped out of high school at 17 to raise her daughter and work delivering newspapers (and other physically demanding jobs) that didn’t require a high school diploma.

Her last job, prior to watching her granddaughter, was working seven days a week delivering snack cakes to convenience and grocery stores. Marsha was ready to find a less physically demanding job, but they required a high school diploma. Realizing it was now or never, she enrolled in SJR State’s Adult Ed program.

“I have learned that I am never too old to learn new things. That used to be my excuse as to why I hadn't already tried to get my GED. These programs taught me that that is not the case. I now no longer doubt myself. I can do anything if I am determined enough and getting my high school diploma and paraprofessional certificate were just one example of that.”

MARSHA, WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST REASON TO PURSUE THE PARAPRO PROGRAM?
I needed a job that I could do for the rest of my life - one that still gave me time with my family and grandchildren. The Adult Ed instructor told me about the paraprofessional program. I could work in a school as an aide, with normal hours, and I could do the program while working on obtaining my GED. It seemed like the perfect fit!

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS NOW THAT YOU HAVE EARNED THIS CREDENTIAL?
I would like to work in a local elementary school as a paraprofessional, supporting students and reinforcing that they, too, can do anything they put their minds to.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE PROGRAM?
I loved that this was something I could do while also working on my GED. This wasn't something extra. I didn't have to get my diploma first. Instead, I was ready for work the very same day I passed my final GED test.

ANY OTHER THOUGHTS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
I could not have done this program without the Adult Education staff at SJR State. From the administration to the instructors, their goal was always for me to be successful, and If not for them, I would not be the graduate that I am today!

MARSHA, TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF
I was a single mother to two daughters, who are now very successful adults. My oldest is a nurse practitioner and my youngest is living on a military base in Alaska, with her family. I also now have 5 grandchildren, between the ages of 1 and 14. Interested in the GED + ParaPro certification? Visit https://www.sjrstate.edu/adulted-parapro
Begin anytime. Classes held Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or online, at your convenience.