UNSTOPPABLE
Adult Education Writing Project Volume IV | 2019-2020
South Carolina Department of Education Office of Adult Education 1429- 1Senate - Street Columbia, SC 29201 The South Carolina Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability in admission to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities. Inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies should be made to the Employee Relations Manager, 1429 Senate Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201, 803-734-8781. For further information on federal non-discrimination regulations, including Title IX, contact the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at [email protected] or call 1-800-421-3481
- 2 - FOREWORD
Readers,
The Adult Education Writing Project has signifcant meaning. The publication was completed while the Ofce of Adult Education staf were working remotely because of the historic pandemic that touched us all. COVID-19 encircled South Carolina and the world. But there is more to this story.
South Carolinians proved to be unstoppable. The Adult Education family grieved with families, celebrated frst responders, and stood proudly for essential workers. As we are all essential, the majority of Adult Education students are essential workers. They, along with frst responders, showed up for work, stayed on the job, and kept South Carolina moving forward. They are truly unstoppable.
The Ofce of Adult Education staf and Adult Education Providers across the state may have changed locations, but never changed their commitment to the adults who needed the services ofered through Adult Education programs. As program closures occurred, students who were working towards High School Equivalency Diplomas, High School Diplomas, Career Readiness Certifcates, improvement of English language skills and/or Parenting skills did not see the opportunities stop. Adult Education practitioners found a way through distance education, social media, and other means to continue providing services to meet the needs of current and prospective Adult Education students.
At the time of this publication, Adult Education staf and practitioners along with South Carolinians were still quarantining, donning masks, and practicing social distancing. My sincere thank you to an “unstoppable” group of people.
In appreciation,
Michael R. King, Director Office of Adult Education
- 3 - CONTENTS
Dedication Page ...... 7 Adult Education Staff Recognition ...... 8 South Carolina’s Adult Education Writing Initiative – A History ...... 12 Unstoppable Defined ...... 13 Essays ...... 14
DORCHESTER ADULT EDUCATION ...... 14 Gabriela Cedeno ...... 15 Austen Gibson ...... 16 Tristan Smith ...... 17
MARLBORO COUNTY ADULT EDUCATION ...... 18 Adonis Hairston ...... 19 Dasia Harrison ...... 20 Howard Linton Jr...... 21 Shermira Townsend ...... 22
PALMETTO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT (PUSD) ...... 23
BARBARA LEWIS HIGH SCHOOL ...... 24 Isaiah G. Elmore ...... 24 Gwynette T. Waters ...... 25 Travis Wigfall ...... 28
LEE CORRECTIONAL ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM ...... 29 Gregory Brooks ...... 29 DeAngelo Brown ...... 30 Terry Dawkins ...... 31 Donez Drummond ...... 32 Damorius D. Gains ...... 33 Demetrius Henry ...... 34 Randall Lee ...... 35 Steven Morgan ...... 36 Jorge Palacios ...... 37 Willie Parker...... 38 Ahmad Neely ...... 39 Earnest Thompson ...... 40 Timmy...... 42 Gregory Winley ...... 43 Jesse Worthy ...... 43
MACDOUGALL CORRECTIONAL ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM ...... 44 James Harvley ...... 44 Frank Antonio Linen ...... 47 Fritz Neiger ...... 48 Dennis Scott ...... 50
- 4 - PALMETTO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT (PUSD) continued
MANNING REENTRY & WORK RELEASE CENTER ...... 52 Tyler Charping ...... 52 Jonathan Phillips ...... 53
RICHLAND ONE ADULT EDUCATION ...... 54 Anonymous Student ...... 55 LaShanda Ball ...... 56 Truman Ellison ...... 57 LaVette Fletcher ...... 58 Angela Joyner ...... 59 Luciana Kimi Luciano ...... 60 Brittany Staten ...... 62
TRI-DISTRICT ADULT EDUCATION ...... 63 Linda Allen ...... 64 Frances DeVille ...... 65 Anthony Guinty ...... 67 Minnie Jeter ...... 68 John Maners ...... 69
Profile of the Graduate ...... 70 Profile of Adult Education ...... 71 Adult Education by the Numbers ...... 72 Office of Adult Education Staff ...... 73 Program Directory ...... 74 Afterword – About Adult Education ...... 76 Adult Education Writing Project Volume IV Acknowledgements ...... 78
- 5 - - 6 - ADULT EDUCATION WRITING PROJECT VOLUME IV UNSTOPPABLE is dedicated to the
First Responders and all in the Health Care Field who cared for those who survived and succumbed to COVID-19. You Are Unstoppable!
and to Essential Workers who are keeping America moving. You Are Unstoppable!
-- 7 -- 2020 RETIREES In recognition of the following individuals who worked in Adult Education Programs and are retiring and/or changing positions. These unstoppable individuals have made signifcant contributions to adult education.
Dr. Lillie Caldwell, Berkeley Adult Education Director
Lillie’s journey to adult education began with assisting her father with his adult education homework. Lillie was very proud that he decided to enroll in one of the Clarendon County’s Adult Education programs to continue his education. It was also fascinating to know that there were others from the community taking advantage of this opportunity. Fast forward to the chance of enrolling in a class to prepare an educator to teach adult education stu- dents, Dorchester 2 School District; Lillie didn’t hesitate.
Lillie’s years in adult education have consisted of increasing her knowledge of the Adult Learner, building and implementing new programs, projects, and sites. She has had the honor of teaching part-time and full-time for the Dorchester 2 School District and Berkeley County School District.
Lillie taught adult education classes in the rural areas, district school sites, and South Carolina Department of Corrections. Her awards include being named Adult Education Teacher of the Year, Dorchester School District, Teacher of the Year in the State, Palmetto Unifed School District, and South Carolina Adult Education Director of the Year.
Retirement for Lillie will be a never-ending vacation with the frst component being not scheduling anything!
Words of Wisdom: Teaching adults and holding the Berkeley County Adult Education Director position have been the paramount, but yet the most humbling experiences of my professional career. Since many of colleagues will continue in this feld of education, I found that being passionate about Adult Education while leading with compassion made my professional journey an efective one.
-- 8 -- Mrs. Jennifer Cooper-Keels, Education Associate, Office of Adult Education
Jennifer is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a B.S. in Secondary Education. She continued her education at USC and graduated in Library and Information Science, M.L.I.S.
Her work career spans the University of South Carolina, the SC Department of Commerce and the South Carolina Department of Education. Jennifer worked for USC for sixteen years and the SC Department of Commerce for six years. She began her career at the Dept. of Education in the ofce of District Technology where she spent six years providing technical support to districts before migrating to the Ofce of Adult Education. Jennifer has been with the Ofce of Adult Education since 2007. During her tenure with the Ofce of Adult Education, Jennifer managed program data for all of the adult education programs.
Jennifer has a full house; one husband, nieces, nephews, and a host of cats and dogs. Jennifer is famous for her rescue and afection for animals, cats and dogs in particular!
Words of Wisdom: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi
Jimmy Crawford Saluda Director of Adult Education
After several years in the construction industry, Jimmy made a decision to pursue a career in education. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Lander University, Jimmy was fortunate to become a middle school teacher in Saluda County School District in the fall of 1990. Choosing to continue his education, he earned a Master of Education Degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of South Carolina in 1997 and continued on to complete the courses necessary to gain certifcation as a Secondary Principal.
Over the course of his career, Jimmy worked as a middle school teacher, coached football and basketball, served as a high school guidance counselor, high school assistant principal and principal. After eight years of being a high school principal, it was time for a change. In the spring of 2012, opportunity came knocking in the form of a position as Director or Adult Education and Alternative School. Jimmy answered the call, and it turned out to be a wonderful decision.
The multitude of experiences Jimmy has had over the course of his career have proved to be an excellent mix for working with adult learners. Jimmy’s experience in navigating the intricacies of the educational system coupled with a long history in the community and a close relationship with the other schools in the district helped make the transition to adult education almost seamless for many students. The ultimate reward of having served in Adult Ed. has been to see non-traditional students overcome obstacles and earn a HSED or a diploma. According to Crawford, “For every one of our Adult Ed. graduates, I felt the joy of the graduation of 100 traditional students.”
For Jimmy, retirement will not be an end, but an opportunity to pursue other interests and spend more time with family and friends.
Words of Wisdom to my Adult Ed. Family – You are some of the most wonderful people I have ever met and I will miss you dearly. My cell phone number will remain the same, so please keep in touch. Even though our world has drastically changed since mid-March, stay the course. If any group in education can get through through this and come out even stronger, it is Adult Ed. Stay positive and stay safe. This too shall pass!
-- 9 -- 2020 RETIREES continued
Mrs. Lisa Hannon, Cherokee Adult Education Director
Lisa began her career in adult education as an instructor. She taught for 17 years and then had the opportunity to become an Adult Education Director. Her frst year as a director was at Tri-District in York and then she accepted the position in Cherokee County to serve her remaining years.
Throughout her career, she served on numerous committees and was honored to receive the following awards: SC Adult Education Teacher of the Year, Commission on Adult Basic Education Teacher of the Year (COABE), Rookie Director of the Year, and Director of the Year.
The greatest joy of her job has been working with AE students and helping them to reach their educational and career goals. Graduation each year always holds a special place in her heart as the successes of the students are celebrated. She is always excited to see former students in the community and hear where they are working or going to college.
She treasures friendships that have been made and has loved working with leaders, teachers, and directors throughout the state. She will truly miss everyone and thanks everyone for their willingness to always help each other. Each day, she enjoys going to work and now is looking forward to the next step in her life. She plans to take some time of this summer to relax and enjoy her great nieces and great nephews. Hopefully this summer, she and her husband can take some vacation time. Then she plans to pursue whatever God has in store.
Words of Wisdom: “Retirement is not the end of the road. It is the beginning of the open highway.” Author Unknown
Take time for family, relax, and enjoy your life.
Mrs. Doris Watson, Greenwood Adult Education Director
Doris has served as the Director of Greenwood County Adult Education for the past eight years, and it has been quite the journey. After serving in various capacities in K-12 education from teacher to principal, she was sure she would spend the remaining years of her career as an elementary principal. It was Doris’s dream job, so she thought, until she received a call from above that changed the path of her career.
The call resulted in Doris abruptly leaving the principal position behind to venture into the mysterious, life-chang- ing world of Adult Education. It has been a place where she has been able to meet, to serve, and to support some of the most courageous individuals amongst us. For many of them, their life’s journey has not been easy or fair, but one with many unforeseen obstacles and challenges. It has been an honor and a pleasure to witness the resilience and determination of countless students, as they overcome the odds and earn their high school equivalency diplo- ma – a passport to a new beginning. As this season ends, Doris is thankful for the call that allowed her to experi- ence the magic of Adult Education.
Words of Wisdom: Life’s journey is a series of beginnings and endings. Always listen for the call to end and begin.
- 10 - 2020 POSITION CHANGES
Mr. Chuck Miller, Former Director Darlington-Lee Adult Education
Charles (Chuck) Miller began his education career in the Darlington County School District as a substitute teacher in 1996. Two years later he became a fourth-grade teacher at St. John’s Elementary School, where he served until 2007. Miller also spent time as an assistant football coach at Darlington High School. In 2005, he began working as a part- time instructor for the district’s Adult Education program.
In 2008, the district named Chuck the facilitator of special programs for Darlington County Adult Education. There he served various roles, including GED instructor for the Under 18 Program, a Computer Skills instructor and the coordinator for the South Carolina Virtual School Program.
In 2012, the Darlington County Board of Education named Miller the director of Darlington-Lee Adult Education. Chuck also served as district’s Interim Pupil Personnel Supervisor. In the role of program director he served as an adjunct professor with the College of Charleston and was an instructor for the Ofce of Adult Education’s Summer Academies. Chuck also served as the Technical Assistance Coordinator for the Technical Assistance Network (TAN) Area III. Additionally, he is the secretary and treasurer of the South Carolina Association of Adult Education Directors.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Francis Marion University and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina.
A Darlington County native, Chuck is a deacon at Welsh Neck Baptist Church in Society Hill. He also serves as the chairman of the board for Rubicon Family Counseling Services, and he is a Pee Dee Workforce Development board member. Additionally, he is the secretary and treasurer of the South Carolina Association of Adult Education Directors.
Mr. Miller will serve as Darlington County School District’s Director of Personnel beginning in April 2020.
To my colleagues in Adult Education:
Thank you for 13 terrifc years of support, guidance, fellowship, and friendship. South Carolina Adult Education is heading in the right direction and our brightest days are yet to come. I will always cherish my time in Adult Ed and I will be forever proud of the countless students we have helped along the way. We are all better for the time we have spent helping one another. Best of luck to all of you, and may the “gains” be always in your favor.
-Chuck Miller
- 11 - ADULT EDUCATION WRITING PROJECT South Carolina’s Adult Education Writing Initiative
Adult education students and staf around the state are invited to participate in the annual Adult Education Writing Initiative. The project started initially in celebration of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week is a week designated to:
• Raise public awareness of adult education and family literacy, • Showcase adult education services and benefts, • Show local administration (superintendents, school boards) value added, and to • Facilitate and support increased access to adult education and family literacy programs.
The title of the frst volume was “In My Shoes”. Students submitted essays around the theme of what it’s like to be in their shoes. They shared life experiences and their journey to adult education. The original theme stuck as the name and the writing project is still referred to as the In My Shoes Writing Project. The theme changes every year. Sometimes the theme is selected by students and programs, sometimes through partnerships and sometimes based on what is paramount or trending during the adult education program year.
Overwhelming participation and interest in the project have led to Volumes I, II, III and now IV. The writing project has allowed students to use both developing writing and digital literacy skills. Participation in the project gives students a chance for practical application of their writing skills, while allowing them to share their personal stories. Pursuit of a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) or High School Diploma (HSD) has proven the need to incorporate considerably more writing and technological skills, so in that light it was proposed that students not only write but write with a purpose.
The Goals of the Writing Initiative are to encourage Students to: • Write about personal experiences, • Use technology, • Share diverse thinking and views, • Learn about shared experiences, • Learn how others have responded to challenges, • Select and focus writing on a specifc topic, • Apply acquired literacy skills, • Demonstrate an awareness of the perspective of others, • Express diverse thinking and views, • Support positions, and to • Publish their work. For Volume IV, students were asked to write about a single topic “Unstoppable”. What does it mean to be unstoppable when faced with life and unforeseen barriers? Each inspiring essay will take you on a journey with the author. The essays will renew an appreciation and elevate the respect for the students who elected to take advantage of services offered by South Carolina Adult Education Programs and adult education staff who strive to provide students with a full service learning environment that takes them from a diploma to a career.
The word “barrier” is a part of the Adult Education vernacular. Barriers are meant to impede progress. However, it’s a challenge to the human spirit to remove barriers and gain a momentum that makes you “unstoppable”.
- 12 - UNSTOPPABLE [ n'stäp b( )l] '
Adjective impossible to stop or prevent.
“an unstoppable student”
Synonyms: persistent · continuing · constant · continual · continuous · nonstop · lasting · never-ending · steady uninterrupted · unabated · unabating · unbroken · interminable · incessant · unceasing · endless unending · perpetual · unremitting · unrelenting · unrelieved · sustained · unfaltering · unfagging untiring · unwavering · unswerving · undeviating · persevering · determined · resolute · purposeful dogged · single-minded · tireless · indefatigable · patient · diligent · assiduous · sedulous · tenacious pertinacious · insistent · importunate · stubborn · intransigent · obstinate · obdurate
It is a privilege to have the opportunity to capture in writing the stories of students enrolled in adult education. Read on to discover more about adult education’s “unstoppable” students and staf…
- 13 - CHEST OR ER D — —
— — A D N U IO LT T EDUCA
Mona Caudle Program Director
- 14 - UNSTOPPABLE
As an adult I have overcome many things I never realized I needed to. As a teen I lived in a rough environment and didn’t have the drive to continue school. I felt like a failure. Due to feeling this way, I felt weak and unmotivated, and I wasn’t in the best relationship to push me to be my best self. Instead, I chose to work. I was getting money and doing something for myself. Eventually I felt that void, that feeling that if I would’ve just kept going and graduated I would be so much better of than the current life I was living. Though I felt this way, I let my abusive relationship continue. Whenever I tried to go back to school, he made me sleep in late and he didn’t push me to go. That doesn’t mean that I didn’t try to push myself, but I was weak minded enough that I let it get to me.
As a result I was not happy. I was depressed and felt alone. After I left my relationship I had lots of diferent feelings and emotions. I decided that I wanted to start over, move away from everything and feel brand new. I moved to South Carolina where my little sister was currently living and I decided to start over. My initial move made me homesick. I wanted to go back to Florida. Though I felt this way I decided to get a job and make something of myself. Yes, I felt lonely and wanted to be home, but shortly after, I met a friend at work. She was diferent than most people I’ve met in my life. She was blunt and very stern and I was intimidated by her. Although she was this way, she was still very friendly even though she didn’t know me and the background I had. One day I came in to work crying because I was upset that I wasn’t home in Florida, and I told her, “I want to go home.” After I said this, she looked at me and said, “Just give it a chance, maybe it will be all worth it.” Who would have known that those words would have been my little push that I needed to get it together and not leave?
As time went on, my friend became my best friend, then my partner. She gave me the drive and motivation to be my best self when I thought I was alone. My reasoning and inspiration was and still is my partner, but not just my partner—myself as well. If I didn’t push myself I wouldn’t be here in South Carolina and would never have met the person who pushed me to go back to school and get my GED. She pushed me to get my U.S. citizenship and become the best version of myself. Sometimes humans lack the feeling that someone is watching them and seeing their sacrifces, but there’s always someone who is watching and secretly, or even openly, rooting for you to improve. Never be afraid to push yourself to be better, and never feel like you’re a burden because you’re not. Don’t be afraid to ask for help because just the littlest push can be your road to bigger success. You are important so never stop thriving, give yourself the chance to continue the education. It is never too late to go back, give yourself the time because it is worth it.
In conclusion, my reason and biggest motivator to continue my GED and my education for my future and life is my partner, but that doesn’t mean it has to be yours too. Look around and really analyze the people who take the time and want to work with you to become better. Those are the people that want to see you be successful. Most importantly though, look at yourself and let you be the reason that you go back to school and fulfll that education that you wished you could’ve attained before, because no matter what, it will never be too late. You can do it and you can get your GED. I will continue until I achieve the goals that I want in life, and you can too. Never, ever, give up because you’re worth it and can do it. Never be afraid to reach out for help, because someone is, and will always be there, to be your number one supporter, just like my partner Kayla.
Gabriela Cedeno Dorchester Adult Education
-- 115 -- UNSTOPPABLE
You have been through a lot, which made you discontinue doing things you like. Well here, you can do anything you put your mind to. You left school or you are going through a lot and you just need that shoulder that you can lean on. Here at Adult Education, they provide that shoulder and don’t give up on you even after you graduate. You can always come back and just talk to teachers or learn more things. They help everyone get a job and get into college. They do all types of things. Here you aren’t allowed to give up or feel road blocked anymore. So relax, kick up your feet, and enjoy the ride of this book…Unstoppable.
My life has always been hard in school. I have never really stayed in school, due to all kinds of things. Sometimes, it was due to being sick, or wanting to take care of my sick mom. The homework was always hard for me. I just never kept up with everyone. In school I never studied. I’ve had a few good friends. I tried everything I could just to stay in school and get my diploma. But we knew I would have to stay in school until I was 21. Then, I would just get a certifcate. I didn’t want that. I want my diploma. Although I was never really in school due to being sick, or taking care of my mom, or simply lying about things, because I never told my mom I was being bullied. I have been bullied since elementary school because I’m autistic and I have a learning disability.
So here it comes… my mom and I talked about it and we decided I would drop out of school and get my GED, which means General Educational Development. I am now in the GED program and I am doing wonderful. See, if you put the efort into something, you can do anything you put your mind to. Now I’m graduating this year and going straight into cosmetology school. It might be hard work but it’s worth it. It honestly is. You come in here and you don’t know anyone, but everyone soon welcomes you with open arms and lets you know this is the place where they aren’t going to judge. You are unstoppable. Anything through Christ is unstoppable. You can do anything. Although you left school, you can always come back and complete from where you left of. If you are too old to attend high school, you can always come here to the Adult Learning Center and they will help you graduate. It doesn’t matter what your age is or anything else. You are unstoppable. You just have to keep reminding yourself that you got this and you can do it.
You can be anything you want. For me, I thought I wasn’t going to be anything due to being told I was going to be nothing and I can’t do anything. Now here I am, close to leaving due to the amazing teachers, knowing I’m not alone, and that I can do this. Trust me. Everyone here will be so proud and happy when you come through those doors. They will get you right into testing to see where you are and get you into classes! I hope that reading this has brought up some confdence in you to get back into school because you are unstoppable.
Austen Gibson Dorchester Adult Education
- 16 - UNSTOPPABLE
Have you ever wanted to do something, but didn’t know where to begin? Have you ever wanted to get an education, but lacked the motivation to do so? Well, this is for you!
Growing up, I had extreme anxiety. I would always wonder if I was good enough, or if people liked me. I wanted an education, but my anxiety got the best of me and I couldn’t continue my education at the time. Last year my anxiety got even worse and I would have random panic attacks for no reason.
I didn’t let that stop me though. I learned a lot from those years, and now I want to pass the torch and tell you about what I learned. If you want to be unstoppable, then it starts with you. As Michael Jackson once said, “I’m starting with the man in the mirror.” If you want an unstoppable change, you have to look in the mirror and fnd the reason you want the change to begin with. For me, I wanted to become a chef. So, I had to look in the mirror and be honest. I had to tell myself that there is no try, and only do.
The one word I live my life by is perseverance. Perseverance is the ability to move on even when things are tough. If you want to go somewhere in life, you have to want it bad enough. I had extreme depression, but if I would’ve let them win, I wouldn’t be at Adult Education trying to get a GED and attend Tech. You have to be the one to control your circumstances, not the other way around. Be the one in control and don’t let what’s happening define you!
It is never too late to start! We are not guaranteed or promised tomorrow, so all we can do is keep pushing for a better today. If you want to further your education and be the unstoppable person you were meant to be, come to Adult Education. You need to get your education, and there isn’t a better day to take that step than today!
Tristan Smith Dorchester Adult Education
- 17 - ARLBORO M — —
— — A D N U IO LT T EDUCA
William Jorgensen, Program Director
- 18 - ADULT EDUCATION
When it comes to all the years that I have spent at Marlboro County Adult Education, my journey has been okay. During my earliest years, it was a slow pace. Science and social studies were my two best subjects because they’re my favorite, even though it took a couple of retakes before mastering the subjects on the GED. Being here made me think about my future. It gave me time to think about the various options of what I can be, from a construction worker to joining the military. Maybe even being a truck driver would be a good career, because I have heard this job pays well. When I graduate, thanks to my teachers, I want to begin one of those careers.
One of my biggest motivations would also be to own my own business. What has inspired me is seeing numerous others involved in real estate, retail etc. But I doubt my two most favorite subjects would be required. My goal is to pursue what I do well.
Adonis Hairston Marlboro County Adult Education
- 19 - UNSTOPPABLE
My name is Dasia Harrison. I dropped out of school in 2014. I am now 22 years old and attending Marlboro County Adult Education. Today I will explain my journey to furthering my education.
I knew I wanted to accomplish more in life. Education was the key to all of that. I didn’t take school as seriously as I do now. I realized that to have a career, education was the number one priority. As a kid, my family didn’t focus on education. All we knew was to go to school and do great. We were to grow up and get jobs to help pay bills. Now I know education helps build our character and structure our minds.
I am now focusing on my GED, and to be honest it has been a great journey for me so far. I have learned to have patience and study hard for what I want to achieve—not because I feel like studying, but because it must be done. We should want to do it for ourselves. Our future should be important to us all. Furthering my education has helped me see that. I also received my South Carolina Ready to Work Silver Credential at the end of last year. I cannot wait to see where this path leads me.
After I fnish Adult Education, I want to attend a technical college. I plan on getting my associate degree and becoming a registered nurse in the future. I intend to work and study hard. I hope to have a good career so that I can live a maintainable life. Also, I look forward to being successful so that I can tell the youth about my journey. Hopefully it helps make someone else’s journey a lot smoother.
Dasia Harrison
- 20 - HOW I GOT HERE
Champions make decisions that create the future they desire, while losers make decisions that create the present they desire. As a ffty-seven year-old man, I feel as if I am just beginning a new life at Marlboro County Adult Education. I am excited to be here! You see, I have found out that nine out of ten people that I went to school with are on drugs, in jail, unemployed, deceased, on welfare, or sick because of bad choices that they have made and that is ninety percent. I refuse to be in the ninety percent. I am a champion! That is what led me to be here at Marlboro County Adult Education. It is a God-sent way out of being on a fxed income, lonely, and not being able to fulfll my dream. Many of my former classmates left school uneducated and did not learn because they did not listen to the teachers. Certainly, I have learned that one must have an education and skills to get the right job. I want to learn all I can. I am back on the inside now looking out, not on the outside looking in. I am here for success in every area of my mind. The world is my classroom, and everyone is my teacher. A man cannot sit around all his life, can he?
To everyone, there opens a way for one to fnd a way out of his or her dilemma. The high soul always climbs the high way, and the low soul gropes the low way. The rest, drift back and forth. Everyone must decide which way to go in life. I am very happy that I found a way for improvement here at Adult Education.
Howard Linton Jr. Marlboro County Adult Education
- 21 - HELP NEEDED
I was at the point of needing public assistance. I had no job and needed some help. So, the Department of Social Services helped me to go back to school. When I entered Marlboro County Adult Education, I said, “Lord what have I gotten myself into?” It was hard after 20 or more years of not going to school, but I stayed. At frst it was hard. I had a goal to get my GED. I knew it was not going to be easy, but I knew that I must apply myself. It is going to make me a better person. When I am done, I plan to go on to Northeastern Technical College for my business administration associate degree. That way I can both earn a living and be a productive member in this society.
Shermira Townsend Marlboro County Adult Education
- 22 - TO U ET NIF M IE L D A P — —
—
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S ) C D H S O PU OL ( DISTRICT
Beverly Holiday, Program Director
- 23 - Palmetto Unified School District BARBARA LEWIS HIGH SCHOOL
NO GOAL TOO HIGH
“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.” ~ Rikki Rogers, Writer
I am Isaiah Elmore, and I am from a little town in Cherokee County, South Carolina, called Blacksburg. I am 21 years old and just achieved getting my GED December 31, 2019.
First, a little more into my situation, I am currently serving a fve-year sentence at Wateree Correctional Institution. Along the way, it hasn’t been a cakewalk. When I frst got here, I literally “threw my hands up” with myself and the situation and made myself into my most powerful barrier. I would skip class and make excuses, I felt like I had hit as low as one could be and because of where I am, I felt education was out of my grasp.
Along the way, I’ve had two amazing teachers, Mrs. Wylie and Mrs. Waters, who stuck by me and genuinely instilled in me that nothing was out of reach even when I wasn’t what one might call the “ideal student”. They worked with me, setting the example that made me want to be better in life. One day, it dawned on me that “hey, if they’re willing to keep investing all their time to help me, maybe there is someone who believes in me.” So we worked and worked until fnally, I was able to take one section of my GED. When I passed, it was like a switch fipped, and I knew I could do it.
Lastly, I am a living testament that persistence pays of, and if you ever feel yourself giving up, there isn’t any goal out of reach. No matter where you come from or what your situation is, you got this. I did it, and so can you. If there is no one else, then you be your own biggest fan. Also, I would like to take this time to thank my teachers mentioned above here at Barbara Lewis High School for being here through this. Before I close, please consider these words and put them in your memory and lock them away. You can do this. You deserve it, just like me.
Isaiah G. Elmore Teacher Assistant Barbara Lewis High School - PUSD
- 24 - THE WALL: THE UNBEARABLE STING OF TEACHING
“Beautiful souls are shaped by ugly experiences” ~ Matshona Dhiliwayo, philosopher
A particular science lesson turned into a revelation for me as an educator—as a human being—one day. I showed a short video lesson to support learning about how the human body uses fuel as energy. The narrator explains the concept of The Wall, which is “physical fatigue and mental anguish” an athlete feels when the body has depleted its energy source from the body’s glucose or sugar. It’s when the runner wants to give up three hours into the marathon because the legs feel like a million wasps are stinging them. It’s when the swimmer—half-way across the channel—desires to surrender to the depths of the water because the arms feel like 100 pounds of jellyfsh have wrapped their tentacles around them. That’s when the body begs for the pain to end; all the athlete has to do is stop. Teaching often feels like that in many ways. I vividly remember the day I hit The Wall while trying to push through a lesson.
Morning school began typically with students dragging themselves up the narrow fights to shift their focus from the stress of their living areas to academic learning. We started the day with a quote to analyze to get the brain warmed up, yet something that morning was slightly of. They didn’t greet me with pleasantries or smiles; students seemed solemn and disconnected. I pushed through the discussion of the quote with little enthusiasm from the class. I immediately knew today was going to be a struggle. I’d been teaching in a correctional setting for two years by then. I quickly became aware of my older adult learner students and how to adjust my instruction to engage them. I attempted to lighten the mood by guiding them through one of the lessons in the GED textbook. When they got to the independent practice, the room became hushed. Suddenly, a hand goes up. I quickly went over to assist.
“I don’t get this,” the student says fatly and jabs at the thick textbook in front of him. He was around my age, in his 50s, and was usually very kind most of the time.
“What don’t you get?” I reply calmly.
“THIS WHOLE THING! What am I supposed to do?” he bellowed. The harsh tone hit me like an unsuspecting Tyson left-hook. It mentally shook me.
“Well, let’s look at what it’s asking you to do.” I read the instructions of the social studies assignment and proceeded to explain what the question was asking of him. I even redirected him back to the text to fnd the answers.
“Where do you see the answer?” he asked with a glare that seemed to hold back the wave of anger that simmered behind it.
- 25 - “Let’s read through…” I began.
“SCHOOL TEACHER!” I heard yelled from behind me. I immediately stopped and turned to see another student looking menacingly at me. “Come here! I don’t get this!” It was at that moment when whatever energy I mustered up that day was beginning to deplete, and it was leaving me fast. I started to feel shaky.
“One moment, please, and I’ll be over to help you, too,” I said politely.
“I ain’t got all morning!” the student exclaimed. The other students seem to enjoy the “free cable” they were getting while watching my lesson disintegrate. I took a deep breath and continued to help the student who initially called me over. But as I attempted to explain the information, he would interrupt with complaints about how my teaching wasn’t helping him. I asked how I can best assist him as his teacher. I wondered what would work better for him.
“I don’t know. You’re supposed to know that.” He replied.
“SCHOOL TEACHER! I ain’t got all morning. I gotta get to the canteen,” the other irate student yelled. I excused myself and went to help the other impatient student.
“What do you need help with?” I asked.
“Everything,” he said coldly.
Again, that feeling of wanting to stop and give up became overwhelming. Why were the students acting like this? What did I do to merit such aggression this morning? What hurts the most was that I’d seen my same students interact with the other teacher, especially when they got confused about a concept. They were always polite and jovial. It was only then that I realized how they had treated me with less respect before, but today it went to an extreme level of disrespect.
“Mr. ______, can you please show me where you’re having the problems? Where specifcally?” I asked while taking a deep breath.
“This section,” he replied. He never took his eyes of of me. They held such meanness in them.
“Well, this section refers to the few pages of chapter…” I began.
“Turn to it for me then.” He said in a voice shrouded in violation. I remember recoiling at the sound. Here was The Wall. Enough was enough. I had nothing left in my reserve to pass this moment of professional pain and emotional exhaustion. What had I done to merit this negative behavior? I looked directly into my student’s eyes.
“How dare you speak to me like that? I have listened to you struggle with Ms. ______plenty of times and never once have you spoken to her with such disrespect.”
- 26 - Then I turned to the rest of the class.
“I think today’s lesson is over. We are not experiencing any success with this lesson, so I’ll put on CNN 10 before you transition to math. You can put your books up.”
“Oh, so you just gon’ give up on us? I don’t know why I came to school anyway!” the student I confronted yelled out. They watched in silent contempt as I put on CNN 10, gathered my instructional material, and left the class. An ofcer stayed with them until the other teacher entered.
I walked to the assistant administrator’s ofce, where my belongings were secured. As I began to pack my bag, I fought back the tears. I explained to the rest of the staf that I wasn’t feeling well and went home. I was the runner brought down by excruciating pain and falling out of the race, fve miles from the fnish line. I was the swimmer surrendering to the “agony of defeat” as she realized she wouldn’t make it across the vast waters and gave up. It’s like getting to the last ten minutes of your 30 minutes treadmill exercise and pushing the big red stop button. You just want the pain to stop even though you know the real accomplishment is pushing through to the cool down. The cool down contains the reward, the moment of rest, and the refection of reaching your goal. I just wanted to give up teaching for good.
Back to that science lesson. The video went on to explain how seasoned athletes learn to push past the pain of The Wall. When the body runs out of glucose to use for energy, it has to convert over to the body’s fat reserve, and that conversion is very painful (wasp and jellyfsh stings). Accomplished athletes realize this and know the body will eventually recover from the pain and tap into the stored fat energy. It’s what they call “Second Wind.” I allowed myself to go home and fnd my Second Wind to come back the next day. I had to realize that their mean- spiritedness wasn’t about me. I don’t know what happened the night before in their living areas. Did terrible news come in the form of a letter or a phone call from home? Whatever caused their anxiety wouldn’t allow them to be susceptible to learning that morning. I wish I had not walked out, but I also had to permit myself time and space to be human. My feelings were hurt regardless of the reasons for their negative attitudes. Even though the students’ behaviors were slightly better, they weren’t as engaged as they once were. Eventually, they returned to a bit of normalcy. I struggled through each day, trying to teach and encourage them to push through their learning obstacles. Finally, one day, the two who were so belligerent that morning, approached me and apologized for their behavior. That was the year we awarded 26 GEDs.
I know other teachers are experiencing what I went through. I need them to believe that they are capable enough to push past The Wall of students resisting doing the hard work of learning, when it’s complicated. Second Wind is inside all of us. Together, we’ll all be unstoppable in the race towards our goals.
Gwynette T. Waters, GED Teacher Barbara Lewis High School - PUSD
- 27 - UNSTOPPABLE ME: CHANGE FOR THE BETTER
My Unstoppable Story begins at Barbara Lewis High School where education plus character equals success. This is my success story. I came to Wateree River Correctional Facility in March of 2019. It wasn’t mandatory for me to go to school, but I wanted something different and better out of life. When I enrolled, I had to come to evening school because I was assigned a job during the day. They canceled evening school a couple of months after I entered. I was still determined, and wanted something better out of life, so I talked with my teacher, Ms. Waters, and the staff came up with a plan to help me succeed. Ms. Waters was, and still is, an excellent help to me.
Along with my wife, Joandell, they pushed me and made me believe I could accomplish anything I put my mind towards. My love for writing helps fuel the burn inside of me. I was writing poems, but it didn’t feel like I was very good at it. Ms. Waters, along with my wife, pushed me to write a book while working on other things at the time. I studied night and day to get my GED, and I got it September of 2019. I went on to be a teacher’s aide, helping other students prepare for their GED and South Carolina Ready to Work Credentials. Now, reaching out to young adults, I have helped change their lives in more ways than one. Making them see there is more to life than meets the eye and having them wanting more out of life as I do, is a beautiful feeling.
While getting my GED, I also obtained my South Carolina Ready to Work Credential, Employability Skills Curriculum Certificate, and South Carolina Soft Skills Credential, along with many other certificates. Now, I am trying to apply to Ohio University Correctional Education for degree-seeking and non-degree seeking students. With everything that I have now, I know that I will have a successful life when I get released from prison. I thank my family and the staff at Barbara Lewis High School. As Rikki Rogers, a writer, states, “Strength doesn’t come from what do you. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.”
Travis Wigfall, Teacher’s Aide Barbara Lewis High School - PUSD
- 28 - Palmetto Unified School District LEE CORRECTIONAL ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM
MY GIRL
I have been through a lot of trials and tribulations in my life. At times I felt like giving up. I was so low and in a dark place, and I felt alone and afraid. With all of those things, I even turned to drinking a lot. I was trapped within myself.
While going through these moments, all I had was me. Well at least that’s what I thought. I met this girl, not just any girl, my girl. She was so special and kindhearted. It was like God heard me and sent her.
When we frst met, I was in a corner drinking, with tears fowing. She came up to me and asked could she sit. I said yes of course. She told me she had been watching me put my head down and also saw the tears. I burst out crying and told her everything. She listened and asked if I would like to have dinner the next day. Of course I accepted.
From that day forward, anything I went through, she was there helping me, accepting me and all that came with loving me. I never felt comfortable to open up about my life, but with her it came natural. She helped me along the way and up until this very day she is still here.
Gregory Brooks Lee Correctional Institution - PUSD
- 29 - UNSTOPPABLE
On a hot summer day in 2002, a couple of friends and I were on our way to the pool. As we walked down the road, I noticed a tree full of oranges, so we all decided to stop and eat some. I was the frst one to jump up and grab one of the oranges of of the tree. But one of my friends, Andy, likes to play so he tried to slap the orange out of my hand. But my refexes are so good that he missed the orange as I turned away. “Hmmm these oranges are awesome,” said my buddy, Frank. “I agree,” I replied as we all laughed. Let’s get one more then head to the pool, it closes at 6 o’clock. “What time is it anyway?” said Frank. “I don’t know,” I replied. Well, we better get going. So we left and continued to walk up the road. But as we got further and further up the road, there’s this big, black dog, just standing there, staring at us. “Hey is it me, or does this dog think we’re a piece of meat? I’m turning around.” Said Frank. “No, no, no! Let’s keep walking,” I replied. “Don’t show fear.” So we all kept walking toward the dog, and as we got closer, the dog started to growl a little bit. Then the dog laid on the ground as if he wanted us to pet him. So we decided to go around him. Next thing I know, the dog is following us so we continue to walk. We only have two more blocks before we reach the pool. “My stomach hurts.” Said Andy. “He has the bubble guts!” stated Frank, as he teases Andy. We’re almost there, plus they have a restroom there. So as time goes by, we fnally make it to the pool. It’s full of people, but that’s not going to stop us from enjoying ourselves.
DeAngelo Brown Lee Correctional Institution - PUSD
- 30 - UNSTOPPABLE
This is a story of the beginning of my unstoppable moments. I was just 17 years of age with two younger sisters. My mother and father always made me do the chores around the house, including taking the trash out, getting the groceries out of the car, and picking up the paper out of the yard. My sisters never did anything, and my dad would always tell me, “One day son, you will appreciate me.” And I always wondered what he meant by that. So as I got older, things continued to stay the same. I was always doing something; it became normal to me. I had to always be doing something active or being productive by helping other people - all the time. By doing that, I was taking away from myself; so I reversed it, and did the opposite. I had a mindset that I needed to put more energy into my own priorities and I would be more successful. That’s when I became unstoppable.
Realizing that, on September 8, 2013, I flled out an application for Nestle. You had to meet certain requirements to get the job. Some of the requirements were: passing a drug screen, having a high school diploma, having a good work history, giving a good reason for why they should hire you, and having a good reference. I had everything except a high school diploma. I felt disappointed knowing how bad I wanted the job. I even tried to present a fake high school diploma; it didn’t work. So they turned me away and told me to apply when I had achieved a high school diploma.
At that time, my cousin was working there and so were other people I knew. So I would go to the front gate every morning, before they started frst shift, and ask the leaders and supervisors to help me to get a job there. So I continued to show up on the job site every day at 8:00 A.M. like I was really working there. I did this for one month and 14 days. One morning, the general manager had seen me at the gate and he said, “Son, why aren’t you in the building working?” I told him about my situation. He told me that I had to prove that I was enrolled in an adult education program, in order to achieve my high school diploma, and he would give me a job. I got my teacher to write a letter to the general manager. A week later, I became Nestle’s employee. This is my experience of an unstoppable journey.
Terry Dawkins Lee Correctional Institution - PUSD
- 31 - UNSTOPPABLE
What has made me unstoppable? To be honest, there is nothing that can stand in my way or that can stop me from seeing my loved ones. Since being sent to prison for 25 years, I’m very persistent about getting out and seeing my family again. When asked if I’m fghting my case or going back to court, my reply is always no, and most of the time people always say that I’m crazy. You can call me crazy all you want, but can you fnd another person like me that will tell you that he is wrong or admit he is wrong? That’s why I have my Lord Jesus on my side. I call upon Him when I need help and inspiration. Without Him I would be lost. I don’t talk to my baby’s mother anymore and by doing that, my daughter is in my life more. Even though we don’t talk much, when we do she lights up my world. I can’t forget about my mother because without her in my life I wouldn’t be the man that I am today. We all make mistakes and bad choices but that’s the way life is.
Donez Drummond Lee Correctional Institution - PUSD
- 32 - UNSTOPPABLE
My name is Damorius D. Gains. I’m 35 years old. I’ve been working towards getting my GED for a few years now. Throughout my young adult life, I never really thought about obtaining my GED. But the older I become, the more wisdom I gain. Obtaining my GED is an accomplishment that, as a man, would make me very proud. I had unstoppable determination to study to get my GED from the beginning, about six years ago, when I frst made up in my mind to start working towards this goal. My scores have constantly improved.
Being that I had not been to school in over 20 years, my ambition for being unstoppable has really paid of. This is because the teachers here at Lee Correctional are also determined for me, and the rest of the students, to pass the GED test. I joined the Adult Education Program here at Lee Correctional a year ago, January 2019.
From then to now, I’ve accomplished a silver star on my Work Keys test. I have also been moved to GED fast track because my test scores have steadily improved. My drive to obtain my GED has been the reason for my improvement. With the motivation from the teachers here at Lee Correctional and my own desire to succeed with the accomplishment, I am well on my way to having my GED, thanks to being unstoppable.
Damorius D. Gains Lee Correctional Institution - PUSD
- 33 - UNSTOPPABLE
Once upon a time in my life I was at a point where I allowed myself to continuously be held back by others. I had no motivation and I wasn’t persistent in anything I’d done. As I got a little older and gained more understanding of who I am as well as others around me, I broke those barriers that held me back from being so unstoppable.
Of course I didn’t go on this journey alone; my mother, father, and my mentor helped me overcome barriers throughout my life so far. Some of those barriers were my trip to prison, others’ infuences on me, anger issues, and getting distracted too easily. The day my mother’s mother passed away I told myself, “I am determined now; I will never just give up on anything I do or visualize myself to be.” One day I made an oath to change my old ways of thinking and be better with how I go about things in a more strategized manner. Ever since then, no one or anything has been able to stop me from progressing throughout life.
Demetrius Henry
- 34 - UNSTOPPABLE
My name is Randall Lee. I’m about to tell you what made me feel unstoppable while learning a trade in Brick Masonry. I’ve always been good with my hands, yet I could not get everything 100% right on my projects. As I started getting a more clear understanding that I must measure the mathematical aspect of my work, I started seeing a diference in the quality of my projects. My instructor, Mr. Brown, would often remind me, “Use the string line and not the level on that wall.” At that time, I would use the level on every single brick. I’d often do methods the way I was most comfortable, until the familiar combinations of methods became second nature to me, then my projects became frst place. The quality of my work got much better and cleaner. I trusted that my instructor would not mislead me with incorrect information. After all, he’s been doing for decades what I was practically a newborn at, and I was just getting an understanding of the trade.
I continued to apply the methods and overcame something I once had a hard time with, and my willingness to learn and persistence made what was once complicated, now easy to me. I removed my fears of not getting it right so that I could learn what I could do to get better. I read, took paper and mental notes, as well as watched and learned. As instructed by Mr. Brown, I incorporated the Plum, Level, and Square technique to my work and instantly started seeing a big positive diference. My confdence rose as I would see how others would admire the quality and outcome of my projects. Still, I remained humble, knowing that I had more to learn. I started making my own blueprints for projects such as fre places, garden beds, park benches or anything I put my mind to. Months went by and I only kept getting better and my trust in myself grew along with my willingness to help others around me with their work.
Not only did my confdence grow, my instructor, Mr. Brown, also gained confdence in my skillset over a period of time. Upon completion of Masonry level 2, I was then honored with a job as a teacher’s assistant, because my teacher had confdence in my skills. As an assistant instructor, it became my job to assist him with training and teaching the newcomers, known as apprentices. I also received my professional certifcation NCCER card upon completion. Masonry is now my job and not my class. I’m no longer a student but a teacher. I’m on my way to start my own business, and with what I’ve learned, no one can take it from me. Nothing wil1 be able to stop me from being a successful owner of my own masonry company. Whether commercial or contract, my name, Randall Lee, will be heading the company “AU” which stands for Architects of the Universe and is the elemental signature for gold on the periodic table. I’m aiming for the stars and won’t place limitations on myself. I strongly believe in seeing my plans through from start to fnish. All my hard work will soon be rewarded, and the only person who can stop me is myself. So therefore, I have the right to feel such a way—UNSTOPPABLE!!
Randall Lee Lee Correctional Institution - PUSD
- 35 - UNSTOPPABLE
In the beginning, I was a railroad conductor. My crew and I were located in Louisville, Georgia. We checked the rail tracks near the station. There were four fully loaded, hundred thousand pound locomotives ready for takeof.
Afterward, we all suddenly heard something loud and squeaky headed in our direction. At full throttle speed was an unstoppable runaway train.
Later on, voices were streaming from the walkie-talkie radio. “754, 754, copy.” I responded back, “it just passed us.” My dispatch told us to shut down all counties in the next fve miles. It was a runaway on the loose. After rushing to contact county after county to be on the lookout for this unstoppable locomotive, I was afraid what damage it could cause if anything is in its path of track.
In conclusion of this runaway locomotive, we were able to derail this big, fast, unstoppable machine from causing any fatal and non-fatal accidents. We outran the train to a country area of Douglas, Georgia and switched the tracks before derailing it onto an old dead-end railroad track that hadn’t been used in decades.
Steven Morgan Lee Correctional Institution - PUSD
- 36 - UNSTOPPABLE
From an early age, my parents taught me that everything in life isn’t free or easy to get. I have to work for what I need. I was also taught to work, and if I wanted something I had to earn it. I was also taught that if I didn’t like the circumstances, I had to work and change it for myself, not cry or get depressed about it. Only I can change my life for the better. If I really want to do something and commit myself, I am unstoppable.
Jorge Palacios Lee Correctional Institution - PUSD
- 37 - UNSTOPPABLE
I assume that most human beings are motivated by one thing or another. A challenge seemed to stimulate me. My story begins with a quote from a very special individual. And I quote, “When life gets too hard for the average person, it’s just right for me.” That powerful statement has been engraved in my conscious from that day forward, enabling me with the courage to deal with life’s many obstacles. Ultimately though, it is my Lord and Savior who strengthens me. That is the true source of my survival.
Life for me began in a small town that I grew up in. To say I was the recipient of a life of poverty would be an understatement. Nevertheless, I was surrounded by a household flled with lots of love. It was my mother’s vision that I fnish school and make something of myself. I cannot say the opportunities were not there. I just didn’t make the most of my blessings. But the one obstacle that has evaded me, or rather I evaded it, was my education. Countless times I allowed opportunities to slip through my grasp. Those days are history. I owe this to my mother. But more importantly, to myself. “Unstoppable” is more than just a school assignment, it’s a refection of my life. I am truly convinced now that I can do anything I want if I apply myself. In closing, I want to take the time to thank you for that powerful statement. Life can be a challenge, but you have taught me to either accept defeat or claim victory.
Willie Parker Lee Correctional Institution - PUSD
- 38 - UNSTOPPABLE
Dedicated, determined, and disciplined are just a few of the characteristics of myself that have made me an unstoppable individual. My name is Ahmad Neely and the main characteristic about me is my determination to persevere through all the limitations placed upon me. Life to me is only what you create it to be whether you do that consciously or unconsciously. That being said, complications within your lifetime are always inevitable whether that’s complications within yourself of complications that you become victim of because of the society that you live in.
Losing my physical freedom sparked something in me that has made me unstoppable or a force to be reckoned with as I like to say. Realizing what it meant to become convicted of a violent crime, receiving more time than I have been alive, and realizing the consequences that came with being convicted did the exact opposite of how it would afect the majority of the people who went through the same scenario. Through the process of losing my physical freedom, all anyone talks about are all the things that you cannot do and miss entirely the things that you still can do as long as you are persistent about what it is that you believe you can accomplish. This is where the determination in me comes into play. From knowing my worth and consistently being determined to become much better today than what I considered as good yesterday, inevitably began the process of me becoming a force to be reckoned with. This is exactly what has kept my foot on the gas pedal to become great.
Overcoming adversity, incarceration at the age of seventeen, came with much more adversity than I originally anticipated. Automatically I was placed within a stereotype, without even being given a chance to prove otherwise. Even when I proved that I did not ft the stereotype, I was considered a liability, because I am subject to change and not care because I was so young.
Therefore, overcoming this type of adversity or overcoming an internal conflict was an important step. I needed to persevere through to continue towards the path to being an unstoppable force. You may wonder how I got through this, (only being seventeen years old). The way I passed through this step was to focus entirely on myself and correcting every faw I see in myself. The goal I had during that timeframe was to make myself impeccable and to correct how I exert or express myself towards others and to myself. Though any step in life takes time to accomplish, not many things you want to change happen overnight, and with that particular mindset is how I overcame adversity.
Personally, I do not set a particular goal and leave it at that. I set goals and more goals after I achieve these goals. While doing this I constantly remind myself there is no limit to what I can do and just because I accomplish something doesn’t mean that’s the end of my accomplishment. For example, I may take a class on efective communication and I set a goal to complete this class with an exemplary grade; completing this class is just one particular accomplishment but not the only accomplishment I can make from completing this class.
Another accomplishment that can be made is applying what I have learned in this class and having efective conversations using efective communication. So the process of setting a goal, of course set a goal but do not let that be the only goal you have, remain versatile and unlimited.
In Conclusion, all the complications I’ve had in my life are the very complications I needed to happen to make me become a force to be reckoned with. The complications that happen in your life should not give you death. The only way these complications that happen in your life give you death is if you give these complications life to begin with. Going through these things and remaining dedicated, determined and disciplined, will surely help, if not make you unstoppable, or a force to be reckoned with.
Ahmad Neely Lee Correctional Institution - PUSD
- 39 - UNSTOPPABLE
Born November 22, 1994 in Lancaster, SC, I grew up in a single parent home. It was just my mother, myself, and two sisters. But I was the frst child, you know how that goes. Yes, the experiment started with me. My mother was 15, my father was around 22. He grew up in a broken home, adopting a fast lifestyle of drug dealing to provide. But providing soon landed him in federal prison around the time I turned two years old.
My mother worked two jobs. We lived check to check, getting what we always wanted, even if it caused her to be behind on bills, and it did. I remember seeing my mother stress, putting more time into work, which took time from being a parent. At the age of 10 or 11, I just wanted to help my mother. So, I decided to sell my BB gun at school to a close friend for twenty to forty dollars. It was all bad. My close friend was caught with the weapon and told on me. I was then expelled from school and sent to an alternative school for a year. It was no fun.
I overcame the problem, passing ffth grade in a resource school. I then returned back to school, going into the sixth grade. My frst year of middle school was depressing. My mother was still struggling, my father was in prison, and every relationship I saw was broken in my household. I had the responsibility of being a big brother. As my mother’s only son, I felt the need to provide and help Mama at any cost. I then moved to the seventh grade passing onto the eighth, where times began to be harder because I now felt my mother’s pain. I just wanted to help and see her smile, so I began to sell drugs in school. I was caught from a hole in the bag of marijuana that was zipped in my coat pocket. First, biggest mistake ever, but I was only trying to help Mama and see her smile.
My father’s childhood friend was the head principal who pulled me into his ofce, showing me the bags that he got from the teacher. He was walking behind me on the basketball court as we were talking. He never took things so seriously, but this day he did. I was searched, humiliated, and laughed at as he told the resource ofcer to “call me in,” and told me that I was going to jail for wanting to help my mother with seventy-fve dollars. I was planning to surprise her with the money but never got the chance.
I was sent to DJJ for thirty days where I passed school with outstanding grades, because that was my frst thirty days that I never saw my Mama sad and struggling, so I could focus. I returned home at the age of 15, then moved to Rock Hill, SC for a change. Everything was a plus—new neighborhood, new school, new friends, but mama was still not happy. She worked two jobs and was still struggling. So, I began to work two and a half years later at Ross Warehouse. I was helping my mother with bills and food for the house, things got better than they ever were.
Until one day, a rival gang came through the neighborhood to bully us and it went on every so often until one day, I was tired and started to fight back. My grades dropped, I quit my job, and moved away to Virginia with my father, after his release from federal prison. My father’s girlfriend was a school teacher but wasn’t your average woman - more of a drill sergeant. It was her strict ways that helped me make honor roll. For the first time in my life I was happy, and I could finally focus because I wasn’t there to see my mother struggle anymore.
- 40 - I made it to twelfth grade, happier than ever, taking my senior pictures, going to senior prom with my high school sweetheart, just too soon to say bye to an all-time high. I began to feel mistreated and uncomfortable. First, my mother was unhappy, now it’s my father. I could no longer take it. I came back to SC with six months left from graduating high school. I was hurt. I was down. I gave up on myself until my mother said, “Get your GED.” So, I applied and began to get my GED until school let out for break. I was back working to help my mother pay bills once again, but my life felt like a disappointment. I failed myself, my mother, my father, and my sisters. I felt worthless. I felt like I was nothing and school wasn’t for me.
I never went back to get my GED. I chose the streets and a job instead, something that I felt I couldn’t fail at. I made a lot of money that I worked hard and took risks for. I ended up having a son at twenty one. By the time he was three months, taking risks caused me to be robbed by three guys at gunpoint. I took a life that night. After fve months, I made bond but found God in a hopeless situation.
My son then was eight months. I was twenty-one, facing 30 to life. When my son turned two, I was sentenced to eleven years in prison for voluntary manslaughter. I was twenty-two-years old, like my father. My son was two, like me... I was crushed. I gave up. I didn’t want to live. I never got to be a kid and here I am, taken away from my kid. I got shipped to Lee Correctional on March 18, 2018. I automatically told God, “I want better, please help me out this situation. I want to get my GED. If I had graduated, I wouldn’t be here.” That same day, I met my caseworker and applied for school. I told her how important it was that she get me in. It didn’t stop there. I begged ofcers until I received an “OTR,” order to report to education.
Once again, I’m away from my mom and family. I’ve been fghting for my education from elementary, middle school, alternative school, DJJ, high school, adult education to prison. I’m still fghting for my education. My trials and tribulations made me stronger. A lack of education in prison where I have nothing but time to better myself, made me become ‘’unstoppable” because no matter what, I’m still striving for my diploma. .
Earnest Thompson Lee Correctional Institution - PUSD
- 41 - UNSTOPPABLE
Dear Reader, Hello, my name is Timmy. I just came home from doing a 15 year bid. Getting used to being out in the real world wasn’t easy. My frst step was getting a job, being successful, and being able to provide for my family. So I started by getting on the internet, looking for a job. I put in over a dozen applications seeking employment, and every one of the applications I put in, was turned down. I was getting upset and was starting to think negatively, but I couldn’t let that get me down.
I have three kids that need me for my support as a father in their life. So I kept my faith. I was unstoppable. I was determined to get a job and be successful. I would not give up. The following day, I got a call from a construction company asking me if I was available to come in the next day at 8:00 A.M. I said, “Sure can, I’ll be there 10 minutes early.” So the next day, I went in and got hired on the spot, full-time.
More to it all, I was unstoppable. I didn’t let anything stop me from achieving my goals of being successful. I kept my faith that everything was going to work out. Now, with all that being said, I work 6 days a week, full-time. I’m able to provide and take care of my family, all because I was unstoppable. I kept pushing for successes and never gave up.
Timmy
- 42 - UNSTOPPABLE
I was born in Brooklyn, New York. When I was 16 years old, peer pressure caused me to become a product of my environment. In my school, there were kids as young as 11 years old who were already smoking cigarettes. I had not yet begun to smoke, but as the pressure built, things started to change. The teasing and threats took its toll. Desperation and despair caused me to smoke my frst cigarette. I smoked from the age of 16 until the age of 34. Smoking became pleasurable to me; it was a past time whenever there was nothing to do. It became very addictive. I craved the efects of the nicotine daily. It gave me a quick high that comforted me when I had a strong feeling of anxiety. Smoking relieved my tension and stress for many years.
There’s about 48 million people like me in the United States who smoke an estimated total of 430 billion cigarettes each year. Until the 1940s, smoking was considered harmless, but laboratory and clinical research confrmed that tobacco smoke presents a health hazard. When the number of vaping related lung injury cases jumped to 1,080. I knew it was time to stop.
When I read an article from the CDC about vaping, it stated that biopsies confrmed that there were 17 people who died from lung injuries due to vaping. I fnally stopped smoking to save my own life. Praise God!
Gregory Winley Lee Correctional Institution - PUSD
UNSTOPPABLE
What makes me unstoppable is that I am the type to never give up, even when I feel like a failure in the process. I think as far back as the year 1994, when I entered the Department of Corrections as a youthful ofender, I was under the impression that I was going to get my GED—regardless of what it took, or however I received it. Nevertheless, did I take into consideration that I had no type of education? No. Once I came to a realization that I knew nothing, I signed up for Lee CJ High School.
Upon signing up for school, I had no clue as to what my intentions would be once I successfully completed the GED tests. With that thought in mind, I kind of lost focus. Upon losing focus, I had to think of a backup plan to put me back on track. The plan I came up with was very sensational beyond a shadow of a doubt. My mind was made up that I was not a failure, and that nothing and nobody was going to hold me down.
That was when I thought to myself that failing was for failures, and winning was for winners, and I was determined to do nothing less than win. From my perspective, I had what it took. All I had to do was apply the skill and do what needed to be done. Success was in my hands, all I had to do was apply the skill.
Jesse Worthy Lee Correctional Institution - PUSD
- 43 - Palmetto Unified School District MACDOUGALL CORRECTIONAL ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM
MOM’S ROSE
There are many major episodes in our lives that we can say were powerful, impactful, cathartic, or even a catalyst for major upheavals in our personal lives or in the world around us. At the age of fve, my world was pretty much a little rural town in South Texas called Weatherford.
Weatherford was essentially a small farming community where weeds or hay was the chief crop for most of my grandfather’s neighbors. Weatherford, Texas was once known as the “Watermelon Capital of the World”, though I can’t recall my aunts or uncles really raising watermelons of any stellar proportions. My grandfather once commented that a man owed it to himself and his family to make the most he could from the land he had been blessed with, and to remember to always leave it a little better than when he first walked on it. I remember taking that red clay and making clay marbles and little bowls, then waiting patiently while the clay hardened, with dreams of becoming the finest marble shooter in the southwest, or at least in my backyard. I noticed that my grandmother, Roberta Stults, whom my sister Roberta Evelyn was named after, also looked for ways to improve not only the land around her but the fertile imagination and curious appetites of her grandchildren; who were fed a steady diet of yarns spun from her childhood memories.
Grandmother was a great baker and had the patience of Job when it came to dealing with cats and grandchildren. On Sundays when my mom took us to visit, Grandma always served pancakes after church. We’d always ask for a second plate of those buttermilk concoctions smothered in butter and drowned in that sweet golden syrup known collectively as “Aunt Jemimah.” At frst, I questioned if perhaps she was one of mother’s sisters or aunts of whom I had not become acquainted. That only led to some laughter from Uncle Eddie Bob and some odd looks from Aunt Juanita. I was told that it referred to the brand of syrup. For months afterwards, I always wondered if that brand was based of of a real character, and if so, was she sweet to her nephews and nieces, like Aunt Betty Jo, or was she more like Aunt Juanita, who was only a few years older than myself. I imagined she probably wasn’t, but the syrup was really nice dripping of a fork after plunging into a stack of hot griddle cakes.
My grandmother, besides being a great cook and babysitter supreme, had the green thumb gift. When I frst heard that fgurative language about having a green thumb, I had this vivid mental imagery of someone, perhaps a gardener, born with this verde anomaly. I fgure it was probably some witch’s curse from Goldilocks. I was after all only fve. They say my grandmother could take a dried out plum branch or cutting from any fower and within a week it would be sprouting green leaves and fowers shooting out everywhere, kind of the way one would imagine what Adam and Eve looked at every day before breakfast and the food. I recall my grandmother was also often the recipient of the dead fowers award from local churches or the bakery at which she worked. I remember watching her once take
- 44 - something that could just as easily have been mistaken as a piece of dried-up driftwood, no pun intended, from Noah’s ark, plant it out near the trash barrel, and within a week the recent transplant looked like it had arrived fresh that morning from Biltmore House’s botanical gardens. Not only did she have that skill and knowledge to breathe life into hopeless cases but she also cultivated that same talent, skill, and heart felt desire to nurture ”lost” causes into my mom, Dora May Harvley.
The diference is that my mom also has this incredible sense of humor. Even though she was teaching one of life’s serious lessons, that one would do well to learn such as being thrifty, being respectful of other’s time, or seeking opportunity to ease someone else’s problems or pain through lending a helping hand or ofering a listening ear without judging, she could just as easily turn a child’s fears or tears into an ear-to-ear grin or the giggles. Truly mom’s green thumb or gift for restoring and encouraging others was a gift that even the Magi would have loved to have brought with them to Bethlehem. One reason my mom is so loved and appreciated by all who either know her or have heard of her is her belief that no one should be without hope. My mother was and still is unstoppable in her compassion and her ability to pour into the spirit of others.
One example from childhood that readily comes to mind is a little child from the neighborhood who was about three at the time. This little child had shocking-red hair and thus it was appropriate that she be named “Rose” by her absentee father and problematic substance abuse mother. Many times this child would wander about hungry and dirty- often seen wearing the same dirty clothes for days at a time and clearly appearing unwashed and her red locks uncombed. One day when the parents were in their backyard passed out from another night of drug-fueled partying, my mother noticed little Rose wandering down the gravel road crying and dirty. My mother walked over and scooped the baby up and I still clearly recall her words some thirty years later, “Rose do you need a mommy?”
The little child looked up crying and nodded her head and her little lips were cracked and bleeding. She then wrapped her little arms around my mother’s neck and closed her eyes. But, my goodness, it looked as if the child was hanging on for dear life and perhaps she was. “Okay,” my mother said, “I’ll be your mommy.” She then carried the young child into the house, fed her, ran her bath, brushed her red locks and put pink bows in them. Rose admired my mother’s handiwork with a hand-held mirror, and even provided her with my sister’s old clothes and a bed in which to sleep. I was touched that my mother, who had raised eight children of her own and about half-a-dozen grandchildren, still had room at the table of her heart to invite another to share in the banquet of her compassion. My second thought was primarily this, “Oh, no, we’re all about to be arrested and charged with kidnapping and I haven’t even had a chance to fnish school yet. What will I tell Grandma when she comes for visitation?”
- 45 - Oddly enough, the delinquent parents came to mom’s house about nine hours later and checked-in on Rose. They then informed my mother that they needed to travel to North Carolina to pick up some “packages” and since their regular babysitter, his mother-in-law, was out-of-town, they asked my mother if she could handle Rose for a few days. The odd pair fnally called a week later to let my mom know they would be gone approximately another week. After receiving an afrmative, they hung up without even asking to speak to their daughter who didn’t seem too excited by their phone call but only annoyed at being distracted while eating sherbet popsicles and watching Disney’s “Little Mermaid” that my sister Letricia had put on for her.
After three further weeks of hearing nothing, my mother contacted Social Services who made an attempt at locating the absentee parents. When that failed, Ms. Dillingham remarked to my mother after doing a quick home evaluation that Rose seemed very comfortable and was well taken care of and asked if my mom would mind continuing to care for Rose until the parents could be contacted. Oddly enough, the parents didn’t even bother to ask about the child until six weeks later when they fnally came out of a month-long drug-induced stupor. Finally, three months later, Rose’s grandmother came to pick up Rose. Rose cried and didn’t want to go but when she was told she could always come back and visit, Little Rose fnally went along without much fght.
For the next ffteen years, Mom and Rose spent a lot of weekends together. As much as Mom helped Rose to grow into a fne and caring young lady, Rose helped my mother to do the one job she enjoyed more than any other occupation in the world, raising beautiful fowers and children to share the beauty of love with others. Sure, my mom said there are those in life that remind you more of the weeds, always trying to choke the life out of those things which bring you joy and happiness, but one thing for sure, I heard my mother and grandmother say with a smile playing upon their animated faces, “Love is the one thing that you can count on, the one thing that’s unstoppable despite everything that tries to stop it!” I realized another thing refecting back on that day when my mom rescued a weed and grew it into a wonderful fower—Mom would always have her Rose!
James Harvley MacDougall Correctional Institution
- 46 - UNSTOPPABLE
Being unstoppable allows individuals to be successful and master their crafts. I hope to motivate anyone and everyone who feels like they are being held back from achieving life-changing goals while giving you the inspiration that individuals need as a stepping stone to conquer overwhelming challenges. I will focus on the diference between the diferent lifestyles that determine an individual’s success. Through hard work and dedication an individual will value what it’s like to be unstoppable.
A lot of individuals have a positive support system that makes it so much easier to stay on the right path. Several individuals become overwhelmed and intoxicate their bodies with diferent substances. Anyone who has ever faced challenging moments must remember that when doubt comes along, then fear isn’t too far behind. Everyone must remember that a lot of people fnd it much easier to give up instead of changing to better themselves. Be willing to accept a challenge because you get farther by attempting and failing than by being afraid to try and still failing.
There are a lot of individuals, such as myself, who spent most of their childhoods in high poverty areas. Truthfully, a lot of the individuals who are put in place as role models respond negatively towards positive movements of people in these conditions. They would sometimes consider individuals in these circumstances to be underachievers. Unlike what many think, for me, this is motivation towards all the positive things I want to occur. My challenge has always been to surmount obstacles that others may have given into so easily. To be unstoppable means everything to a person of my structure because I feel I have a lot to prove, mainly to myself.
It took a lot for me to develop a strong mindset toward conquering nearly unachievable goals. A lot of people who have been belittled, or degraded, must understand how good it feels to achieve long-standing goals. I honestly believe that individuals in these high poverty areas value the message and not so much the messenger.
Nothing should ever stop you from conquering overwhelming challenges. Understanding that some individuals are more fortunate than others in some areas doesn’t mean that you won’t succeed. Some individuals wish for that kind of love and support. It would be wise to frst gather your priorities, get them in order, and then set some monthly and yearly goals that are achievable. Always remember: in order to be successful, you must frst try. Then, you will be unstoppable!
Frank Antonio Linen
- 47 - NO GOOD DEED
This short story is dedicated to my mother, Gertrude Neiger, one of St. Francis’s most honored baking alumni whose pursuit of culinary greatness was unstoppable.
I remember the day that Dad walked into the faded-blue, ranch-styled, depression-era, two-bedroom house with the broken gate and a front doorbell that only rang at the back in the kitchen and announced rather exuberantly, “Guys, pack up, we’re moving to Florida!”
The tenants, Mom, my older brother, Robert, and I, waited for the punch line, but soon realized the only punch was to the stomach. My dad was a cop and seldom joked about anything, not even mom’s cooking, which was often the subject of scientifc debate among church members at St. Francis. Whenever there were “potluck” dinners, my mother, Gertrude, would make a concoction from whatever ingredients just happened to be at hand. Many hypotheses developed over research into something that looked like a macaroni and cheese casserole but with the consistency of Elmer’s glue, and looked and tasted like a rutabaga or a really over-ripe, radish-like object. Sometimes bets were wagered, and those seeking to hedge their bets would often call me aside for any “inside” information that could be gained through the exchange of a couple of Hershey candy bars, though, if the truth be known, I would rather have been bribed with a bag of licorice-flavored jellybeans to divulge mom’s enigmatic recipes. Often, I would just make an educated guess from what I had seen her use previously in preparing our meals at 138 Oakley Lane, a suburban paradise, about ffteen minutes outside Cincinnati. The truth is, besides God and maybe the Archangel Michael, most people, including Mom, never really knew what was thrown in for “good measure.” To this day, Robert and I (Dad has since passed on to the bufet line in heaven, and not from eating an under-appreciated extra portion of “rutabaga mystery delight,” but from a lack of longevity) still question how we shared a common bond based on surviving those potluck dinners. Whenever guests came over on Sunday to socialize, my mother was a social butterfy, always being enlisted to serve her wares of baked oddities. As guests arrived and the doorbell would chime in the kitchen, Robert would hear the doorbell ring, and announce loudly, “Pick up for table eight!”
Oh, sorry, I kind of got caught up in a fashback, nostalgic moment; funny how moving fve hundred miles away from everyone and everything you’ve known your whole life can make that happen. I remember that “St. Gertrude,” as Mom was known to local parishioners, was adamant about doing alms or good deeds for the deserving poor. I once watched mom trying to unload some of her not-so-famous St. Anthony’s pimento cheese sandwiches of on an individual she wrongfully assumed was the “deserving poor” that actually turned out to be some wealthy painter that was deliberately incognito with her fake beard and Florida tan. Even St. Anthony, the worker of miracles, could not make Mom’s pimento cheese taste heavenly.
Later on, after our family had moved to Florida, I remember at a local Christmas celebration-charity event, my mother tried reviving her famous snickerdoodle menagerie cream pie. Needless to say, sells of this glorious concoction were less than stellar, even after all the desserts had been blessed and pre-tasted by Father Kreegan,
- 48 - who obviously had tasted a little more than the sacramental wine that festive occasion. Whereas all the other cakes, cookies, pies, and cupcakes had made the bake sale seem more like a baker’s Caribbean cruise blessed with placid sailing, mom’s snickerdoodle was akin to Gerricault’s raft and Flotow’s “Wreck of the Medusa,” with some participants returning the snicker-doodle and demanding a refund. At next year’s fundraising event, snickerdoodle was conspicuously missing from the list of requested baked items.
My mom always wanted to leave each of her children, my brother Robert, me, and a cat with one-eye and a broken tail that was called “Lucky,” but never answered to that or any other moniker because Lucky was either deaf or simply chose to ignore my mom’s relentless beckoning, a special gift. Robert received the prized silverware collection of which was the envy of the Bridge Club that met every other Tuesday to drink beer and play a hand of cards or two and argue politics or religion, but mostly just to drink beer. Lucky, if that was his real name, was bequeathed a lifetime allowance and a permanent home with Robert, which equated to an extra eighteen months before he went “missing.” I, being the oldest and most beloved of Mom’s three children, received the greatest treasure that any child of thirty- three could dare to dream, wait for it . . . MOM’S SECRET RECIPE TROVE of PALATABLE DELIGHTS! Imagine the shock I received. I had been eyeing her sixty-year-old stamp collection and the Disney wall clock with chirping birds that played, “It’s a small world after all.” Why, I would have even settled for that old Schwinn exercise bicycle with the broken odometer which she hadn’t ridden in twenty-plus years. But apparently “St. Gertrude” had received a vision, and this book of hidden knowledge was to be my cross to bear. Well, a person’s merit is measured by what difculties he or she is able to overcome. I will take this book and through trial and error will eventually fnd my place and make my way onto St. Francis’s Honor Roll of Outstanding Bakers, chosen to bake for the most discerning of connoisseurs who frequent church bake sales and bazaars. I will use this treasured gift compiled from years of time-tested recipes to bring a little bit of joy and sunlight into the lives of the hungry and the less fortunate—less fortunate from choosing to eat what I have baked. On second thought, I’ll probably use the book as a paperweight or to fx the uneven table leg in the den and just order a cake from the local bakery, and like that Disney clock that went to my cousin Sara, I’ll be unstoppable in my pursuit of baking greatness!
Fritz Neiger MacDougall Correctional Institution - PUSD
- 49 - UNSTOPPABLE
Many of us have dreams and visions of what we want to do but never do. Many of us have goals that we want to achieve but never achieve, or attempt to achieve. Why? This answer is simple. It’s because some of us haven’t discovered our purpose for existing and are afraid to step out of our comfort zones. We become complacent with our current status because it’s already established and doesn’t take much to maintain. In some cases, it’s hard enough to maintain, so not wanting to add to it, and things not going according to plan, can be another reason. We are afraid to fall or fail. It’s okay to fall or fail. For every fall, mistake, or failure, there’s a silver lining that comes out of it. Learn from those mistakes and turn them into positive results instead of being afraid to face them. Fear is a psychological disease of the mind that destroys us in many diferent ways. It is our worst enemy, and we must get rid of it. The time is now! In order to change our circumstances, we must frst change our mindset. Have you heard of the biblical quote that says, “Whatever a man thinketh, so is he”? That’s very true. Whatever you spend most of your time thinking about, that’s what you will become. It’s never too late to change! Once we change our mindsets from negative thoughts and views to positive ones and discover our purposes, we will gain full access to the true power that we possess inside, and operate in the full capacity of our potential. Once we activate that power and put it into action, we will be unstoppable.
We’re unstoppable with what we want to become! We’re unstoppable with what we want to achieve! We’re unstoppable with the level of success that we want to obtain! There’s no limit to what we can do. Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, you can achieve! Again, it all starts in the mind. Start now by changing your current way of thinking to a more positive and productive way. Think positive and constructive thoughts, and free your mind from that disease called fear! Start saying, “I can” instead of saying, “I can’t”. Do not allow your current status to discourage or hinder you from succeeding. Know and believe that when you run into problems and trials, they help you learn to endure. Endurance develops strength of character within yourself. Be resilient! Be unstoppable! Don’t be afraid to let your ideas, imaginations, dreams and visions of living out your purpose for existing run wild! Dream Big! Have Faith!
- 50 - Faith is the confdent assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things that we cannot yet see. By having faith and believing that you can achieve your goals and live out your dreams by working towards them one at a time, you will become successful. Once you begin to see positive results, it will give you more confdence and motivation to want to do more and more. You will be unstoppable! Be careful who you share your visions and dreams with because some people will try to discourage and hinder you. That’s because they don’t believe that they have the ability to achieve and accomplish their goals and dreams, much less believe in yours. Remember the saying, “Misery loves company.” Don’t allow their complacency to rub of on you. Sometimes, it’s just best to keep it to yourself, or surround yourself with positive, likeminded people that will motivate you to keep going until you succeed. Let your actions and the result of those actions, speak for you. Again, believe in yourself and be confdent knowing that you can do whatever you set your mind to do. Once you fnd out what your purpose for existing in life is, and apply hard work, dedication, determination, faith and a burning desire to achieve, you will be unstoppable!
Dennis Scott Lee Correctional Institution - PUSD
- 51 - Palmetto Unified School District MANNING REENTRY & WORK RELEASE CENTER
UNSTOPPABLE
Things started to go bad for me two years ago. I had gotten locked up in Greenville County Jail and that’s when my life was dismantled. At the time, I didn’t know God or have any clue what I was going to do with my life. Since I have been locked up, I have found God and taken steps to better my life. After I went to court, I was sentenced to two years in prison.
I was sent to Wateree and I got a job doing machine work which was a great experience. I was at Wateree for fve months until I came here to Manning. While at Manning, I got deeper into the word of God and studying my Bible. I have also taken classes such as Men’s Reentry, and I am working toward my GED. I’m doing all of this to better my life.
With the classes, programs, and all the resources Manning has offered me, I have a chance to also get my little girl back in my life. I have made some bad choices in my past, but I look at the two years I was given as a good thing. If God had not let the judge give me the time that I got, I could be dead.
I have learned so much in the past two years from every class that I’ve taken. From working on getting my GED as well as what I have learned along with the resources I’ve been given. I have a chance to be the father I was meant to be and have the life God wants me to live. I can become unstoppable.
Tyler Charping Manning Reentry & Work Release Center - PUSD
- 52 - UNSTOPPABLE
The word unstoppable, while self-explanatory, can have multiple levels of meaning depending on the ebbs and fows of one’s life. For my eleven-year-old son, unstoppable means that he’s able to skateboard for endless hours regardless of the weather. For my aging mother, unstoppable speaks to the relentless march of time. For me, a busy parent and teacher, unstoppable is the seemingly endless list of things that need to get done over the course of a normal day. As such, the meaning of unstoppable seems to be largely dependent on our unique perspectives which are shaped by both our shared and individual experiences. For the men that I serve within the South Carolina Department of Corrections, unstoppable must seem a much larger, daunting word given the myriad challenges they face at every turn. The wheels of the correctional system continue to turn regardless of their thoughts, regardless of how they feel on any given day, regardless of what may be happening to family and friends. The machine moves steadily forward, ever persistent, ever unstoppable.
Still, as intimidating as the implications of that simple word must be to them, these men persevere. My students not only attend their classes, they are active participants in their education. They battle with concepts that many of them fnd alien at frst having spent so many years removed from the educational process. They see initial test scores that are so low that many people would simply resign, crippled by the prospect of such a daunting climb. These men refuse to believe that the task is too great that the time to accomplish their goals is too short. They refused to be stopped by such overwhelming odds. Rather, they rise to meet the challenge.
I have witnessed a man whose scores indicated a third-grade reading level work ceaselessly day after day, simply refusing to be stopped. Almost daily, he would ask for additional work beyond what we were studying. He would ask for word-searches because he enjoyed looking unfamiliar words up in the dictionary. He would ask for anything I could fnd related to fshing because that was his passion and he believed me when I told him that reading was the best way to improve his comprehension. He refused to take a day of from his studies; even holidays. He pushed and pulled and wrestled with his own limitations. In time, he began to move that which was immoveable. He changed from a man confned by his lack of knowledge, into a man whose education began to lift him above those constraints that would stop him. In six months, he was ready for the GED. I transferred to another institution prior to his completion, but I am told that he did indeed complete the GED. His story is not unique.
I see men just like him every day: men who refused to be stopped, men who through hard work and determination make tremendous educational gains under tremendously difcult circumstances, men who refused to be stopped. I suppose that is what strikes me the most about education as it relates to the word unstoppable. Prior to beginning their educational journeys, these men were being acted on by seemingly unstoppable forces as if they were rocks being worn down by erosion overtime. Now, armed with education, they have become unstoppable forces in their own right.
Jonathan Phillips, Adult Education Staf Manning Reentry & Work Release Center - PUSD
- 53 - AND O HL N IC E R — —
— — A D N U L TIO T EDUCA
Dr. Marva Coates, Program Director
- 54 - DADDY’S LITTLE GIRLS AND DADDY’S BIG BOYS
To my kids, Bryauna, Bryant Jr., I’yauna, Dorian, Lauren, and Skyler - Daddy would love for all of you to fnish school and graduate at the time you’re given, because when y’all do, the sky is the limit for us. Believe that. We can get all of you into college or tech school to better your life and future after you graduate. I don’t want my life to hold any of you back from getting that education while in school. I’m going to do my best to help and show you the way. This I promise won’t be easy or hard when you have help alongside you. When I, your Daddy, was growing up, he grew up with seven brothers and six sisters—a big family. I had a whole lot of help around me, but I chose my own destiny, and I hope you don’t choose the destiny that your Dad chose in life. I would love for all of you to fnish with a bang for real.
To Daddy’s oldest “Bryauna”, I know sixth grade is bugging you right now because it’s a little bit diferent from what you’re used to in elementary school, but I know you got it, baby girl. Daddy’s here for any kind of help, for real. As I can remember, sixth grade wasn’t easy for me either when I was in school at your age, baby girl. Trying to ft in with the new crowd and the old crowd from elementary days, so baby girl, I know, and I got you.
My second oldest “Bryant Jr.”, if I can remember, second grade was fun just like frst grade. So, I hope you are having fun and getting that education because it’s only going to get more difcult from here. I’m here no matter what grade you are going to; I got you Jr.
To my third oldest “I’yauna”, I know second grade is fun, but that’s when you take advantage of the easy opportunity given in the second grade. I know it’s going to get rougher as you go, baby girl, but I’m here for anything.
The life of the family, my fourth oldest and second son “Dorian”, frst grade was one of the best and easiest grades to me. I don’t know how you feel about it, but your grades show me otherwise. You are doing your work, paying attention, and learning more then you’re supposed to know. That’s great and by watching your brothers and sisters, you are understanding a lot as you get older. That’s potential son, thank you for that.
To my ffth oldest “Lauren”, you and your brother “Dorian” both surprise Daddy with the knowledge you have as frst graders at the age of six years old. At that age I don’t think I was that bright.
To my baby girl “Skyler”, I can’t wait until the day you make me cry by leaving me to go to school. I know the feeling’s going to be mutual, but it has to happen one day. I’m not going to rush it because I don’t want my baby to leave me yet to go to school.
Daddy’s little girls and Daddy’s big boys, I love y’all so much. I’m going to be right here beside y’all my whole life, even when y’all make me cry when I get to see the day y’all walk across that stage to get that diploma.
Anonymous Student Richland One Adult Education
- 55 - UNSTOPPABLE
Unstoppable, to me, means accomplishing all the goals that were blocked by obstacles that made them difcult to achieve. I remember the time when I was running on a track team and wanted to give up and quit, then I became determined, I kept going and won the race. People that give up never achieve their goals. No one should ever give up; they must remain unstoppable in all situations.
The world today is at an all-time high with citizens that give up. For example, I’ve never seen so many homeless people; this is what you call an unstoppable situation. Until we start to work hard, we can’t reach our destiny, and these problems will continue.
Furthermore, this is what unstoppable means. Maybe one day we will be able to illustrate to everyone to never give up no matter how bad the times are. I will never give up until I reach my goals, because I am unstoppable.
LaShanda Ball Richland One Adult Education
- 56 - LETTER TO MY DAUGHTERS
First and most importantly, I want to start by saying I love you both so much! London and Lauryn, you two beautiful little girls make Daddy so happy. I am so thankful that God has blessed me with the two of you. You guys have no idea how much you make my life better. I cherish the moments that we share with each other. I want to be the best father, provider, and friend that you will ever need. I want to protect you from the world and all the oppositions you may come across that may bring you discouragement or even discomfort in any way.
My Lonnie Bun (London), I love you so much, man, it’s crazy! When you’re hurting about something, it hurts me. You were the frst gift God blessed me with, Baby Girl, and you just don’t know how you helped me to become the man I am today! I can remember when you were frst born, I looked into your eyes while you were looking back into mine. That was the best feeling ever. I knew from that moment forward I wanted to be a better person for you. Baby I just want to give you the world. You are so sweet and loving. I want you to stay focused and determined on making good grades and becoming a successful young lady. Daddy supports you in everything you do and there will never be a time where you have to face the toughest obstacles or battles alone. I’m here and I always will be. I love you!
Laura Bug (Lauryn), my glamour girl! I love you baby! You are so sweet. You can turn darkness into sunshine with the personality that you have. When Daddy is feeling down, you know just what to do to get me up and put a smile on my face. Lauryn you are also very smart and eager to learn, and I love that about you. I want you to stay that way through life and continue to be determined and focused in everything you do. Give everything your all, even when you feel like you can’t. Daddy wants to show you and your sister the right way! I don’t want you girls to grow up too fast! Can you all stay small forever for me? I know day by day you and London are going to start growing up, but one thing is for certain, Daddy will always be there along the way. Good or bad, right or wrong, I love you ladies and will forever be by your side and I will continue to be the best man I can possibly be to you girls. I love you all!
Truman Ellison Richland One Adult Education
- 57 - UNSTOPPABLE
I am Unstoppable.
Graduation is very important to me because
I am Unstoppable.
I dropped out of school when I was pregnant at an early age. I was tending to my mom as well as taking care of six special needs kids we adopted, but
I am Unstoppable.
Not too long ago I lost four family members and my health started to go down —depression, heart problems, and many more. I have missed a lot of school due to these issues, but
I am Unstoppable.
School is very hard, since I haven’t been in a classroom in 30 years. I am determined not to give up!
I am Unstoppable.
I want my daughters to see that it is never too late to get your education. Today, education is very important to me. No matter what the situation is, I will not give up!
I am Unstoppable!
LaVette Fletcher Richland One Adult Education
- 58 - UNSTOPPABLE
This is my story. I have come a long way to get to where I am today. The road less traveled was rough. Well, rough is an understatement. It started when I was six years old, when I started showing signs of schizophrenia. I got into fghts at school, I got into fghts with my mom, and I often fought myself. A lot! After a while, it got to be too much for my mom. My dad was always working. I don’t remember seeing him at home that much.
Anyway, my mom admitted me into a hospital in West Virginia. At the time, we lived in Baltimore, Maryland. And as you can imagine, I felt abandoned, and afraid, but mostly angry. I was angry with myself as well as my mother. At the hospital, I never really had any toys of my own. The ones I did have were stolen. The only things I owned were my shoes and my clothes. It was not a good place to be. I got into fghts with the staf and other children, and I was verbally, physically and sexually abused.
After about a year, I went home. But nothing changed; I still experienced horrifc hallucinations, got into fghts, got expelled from schools, and often, ran away from home. That wasn’t the only problem. I have an older brother who has a disability too. His is more serious, he has cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and autism. It got to be too much for my mom, taking care of me, A.J., and my younger brother. So, my mom placed A.J. in a home for autistic children. He’s been there ever since. While he was in those places, he was also abused. Once they broke his collar bone, and another time they broke his arm and gave him the wrong medication. Who knows what other things they did to him? The worst part is his speech is very limited. So, he couldn’t tell anyone what really happened.
Meanwhile, back at home, my dad, who was in the military at the time, was stationed to at least four diferent states, and each time I was put away. My life got so bad that I tried to take my own life. I’ve tried it many times, and each time I was unsuccessful. The voices in my head got worse and worse as I got older, to the point where I thought they were normal. I could hear them tell me to hurt people. But instead of hurting others, I started hurting myself.
This went on for years on end. But in 2014, something happened. My dad had been stationed to Fort Jackson, South Carolina. My parents enrolled me into a young adult program in Richland County. The program had other young adults with similar problems. The people who worked with me were very patient with me. They taught me about my illness, what it is, what the symptoms were, and how to deal with it.
In 2017, they put me on a new kind if medication. Well, it was new to me. I only had to take it once a month. And, it worked! I wasn’t the same after that.
My point of this story is that in spite of all the voices, hallucinations, anger and pain... there was always a small part, a VERY small part of me that said, “There’s got to be a way out! There’s got to be some kind of hope for me!” I held on to that voice. It was the only voice I wanted to listen to. So, I kept looking for that way out. And I wasn’t going to stop until I found it.
And... I found it.
Angela Joyner Richland One Adult Education
- 59 - MY STORY
Ten years ago, I had my frst contact with ancient Indian science, Ayurveda, which changed my whole life. This medicine transformed me. I’ve experienced a revitalization that went beyond my physical body, reaching my soul.
Ayurveda has been used for more than 5,000 years in the Orient. It is considered the oldest known medical practice. It has spread all over the world infuencing other oriental medicines such as Chinese, Thai, and Japanese, in addition to western ones, such as anthroposophy. It is based on the respect of individual essence, the environment, and the relationship of that individual with the environment.
During my Ayurveda process, I’ve learned that happiness is linked to maintaining health. But until that moment, although I worked a lot, twelve to fourteen hours per day, I thought I was taking care of my health. I ate natural foods and practiced many exercises.
Then, in early 2009, I found that my health was not as well as I thought. I discovered a tumor on my neck, and every the doctors I visited told me that I needed surgery urgently. They said the only way to check the quality of the tumor was a biopsy. It could probably be cancer.
I wanted to hear another medical opinion so I started looking for homeopathic and Chinese doctors to fnd another answer. One of them showed me a book that explained how emotions could be the cause of many diseases. This book inspired me to practice meditation, and I learned to thank my illness. So, I did this every day. It was a way of introspection to understand what, how, and why it happened to me.
One evening, I was worried and tired of all these things so when I woke up, I said a prayer asking for any sign to guide me on what to do. In the afternoon, when I was at the pharmacy waiting for my medicine to get ready, I saw a paper about Ayurveda with the name and telephone of the doctor who wrote it.
This doctor changed my life. He explained everything about my disease. He answered a lot of questions that made me understand and refect on the conditions of my body and mind.
- 60 - He suggested a treatment alongside Western medicine so that I could spend three months under his guidance. I needed to change my lifestyle, which consisted of working less, resting more, sleeping better. And he intensifed my yoga practice.
As well, I received an oil massage weekly, which turned into almost every day, to help my body remove toxins that had accumulated over the years. I needed to change the way I ate: choose the best food, cook with spices, and respect my digestion. I also began taking natural herbs that improved the quality of my digestion.
After those three months, I had the surgery. The biopsy result was great, it wasn’t cancer. But the most impressive thing was not only my physical condition but also my emotional and mental recovery.
I felt a deep love for myself for the frst time. I accepted myself exactly as I was. I recognized something. I looked at the love that nourished me. It was the frst time I didn’t judge. I felt I was reborn.
Then I decided to study this medicine. I spent a while with this doctor, studying with him. I’ve had other teachers, but he is still the most important person in my life. He opened the door and I was able to return home, connecting with my soul.
As a result, I changed jobs, and today I am an Ayurvedic therapist. My work is to encourage people to improve their understanding of body and mind, helping them to choose better options in food, exercise, and lifestyle. The consequence is a healthy body and mind.
The Ayurveda proverb says, “If the food is bad, the medicines don’t work. If the food is good, the medicine isn’t necessary.” Today I understand the meaning of those words because my body and mind have digested and absorbed it by heart.
Luciana Kimi Luciano Richland One Adult Education
- 61 - MY BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT
I believe that Richland One is the best Adult/High School for me because it has helped me in so many ways. I achieved so much; I have the best teacher to help me reach my goal which is to pass my test and get my high school diploma. I know when I graduate, I can go back to school and become a nurse practitioner. I know when I graduate from Adult Education, I can achieve anything.
Not only do I want to fnish for me, I want to show my daughters that school is very important and that they can achieve anything they put their minds to, as well. I want my kids to believe if mommy can do it, they can too, and they can put their minds together, know that anything is possible and push through anything one step at a time. It has taken me many years and many tries, but I am FINALLY getting it together. I know if I can do it, you can too.
Brittany Staten Richland One Adult Education
- 62 - DISTRI RI- CT T — —
— — A D N U L TIO T EDUCA
Kristy Austin, Program Director
- 63 - UNSTOPPABLE
Unstoppable means never giving up. I have been through a lot in my lifetime but giving up has never crossed my mind.
Family life is hard sometimes. When I was a teenager, my parents split up. My mother, sister, and I had a rough time for a while, but we didn’t give up and we made do with what we had. All a person can do is pray and believe things will get better. When I was younger, I quit school in the ninth grade (a really dumb thing to do), and I went to work at Smith Enterprises making $7.50 an hour. I got married and had two kids. When he didn’t want to help with our home and kids, I had to do something to keep a home for my kids. I tried to fnd a good-paying job, but nobody wanted to hire a person who quit school in the ninth grade.
I’m in Adult Education now and it’s the best thing I have done to make me feel good about myself. I will be here until I get my GED, which I see myself doing this year.
A person is never too old or too young to learn. I am unstoppable and I will never give up.
Linda Allen Tri-District Adult Education York Site
- 64 - UNSTOPPABLE
In 2013 I had a massive stroke and a heart attack. I lost my memory. I couldn’t read or write, but thank goodness, someone was praying for me. I’ve gotten my life back. Now, I am unstoppable. I am willing and able to learn.
Frances DeVille Tri-District Adult Education York Site
- 65 - THE PAIN I LIVE IN
As a little boy I always wondered what my life would be like in a hundred years. I thought I would be a great singer one day. I love to sing and dance to all types of music. It is fun for me to move around and be free. As a kid I really didn’t know why. I asked my mom if she knew why and she told me “We have musicians in our family and that’s why you’re driven to all types of music.” So, as I got older, I started listening to songwriters such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Biggie Smalls, and many more. I was always into singing Michael Jackson’s songs! At a young age of six, I started to see what I enjoyed doing for fun, and that would be singing and dancing! Some people would ask me if I’m okay, and I would always tell them, “Yes, I’m okay!”
My name is Anthony. My story here started when I was 13. It was freshman year. My school did not have a gym where the typical P.E. class would take place, but it had a special kind of class. That class was a dance class! I looked in at it and I told myself, “Oh my gosh! What is this? They don’t have a gym but they have a “DC”--DANCE CLASS!” I looked in and I loved what I saw! People were dancing to all types of music like NE-YO, EMINEM, SAM SMITH, AND RUSS (a cool guy because he could sing and dance). I went inside the class to see the teacher. She was a black woman, but if you said anything to her that was bad, she would get you! The guys in the class were what you called “wolf dogs” because they loved to boot dance. As I said, all I love to do is dance! My former school, Science Skills Center High School in Brooklyn, NY, was my frst experience with instructional dance.
Dance feeds my soul and makes it happy. However, my happy, dancing soul was interrupted one day. It was a pain I live with and it will always be with me. As I was walking home from school one day, I saw my mom outside on the street. I walked up to her and asked what’s wrong and she told me that my brother had died that day around 2:00 am. I didn’t want to believe that my brother had died. I walked in the house and saw him on the foor with his favorite hat next to him, and I started to cry. My brother and I were very good friends. Yes, we did fght all the time but that’s how we showed our love for each other. We were very diferent. He loved sports and he was hoping he would be a part of a football team. I still think about my brother all the time like it was yesterday, and we were always fghting over who was going to have the bigger half of the cake. My brother and I also shared the same birth month—December. But now he’s gone. I don’t have anyone to talk to anymore. My mom took it really hard too, losing a twelve year-old child.
When I returned to school and resumed with my dance class, my dance teacher announced a Halloween dance party that was to take place at school. I thought it would be cool to go and have fun. I thought it would make my soul happy again and allow me to stop thinking about the pain of losing my brother, even for a short while. As I got ready for class, my dance teacher walked up to me and said, “Do you know how to dance to Michael Jackson’s music?” I looked
- 66 - at her and said, “Yes, I do.” So, she asked me to get three people and teach them how to dance to Thriller. It was not easy to get them to do what I needed them to do but they got it. We showed our dance video to our dance teacher and she looked at us and said she liked it. On the opening night of the dance party, my team and I were getting ready to dance all night long. Tonight, we were going to have some fun!
That night as I was walking home, I saw an old friend, Amy. At frst, I didn’t think she saw me, but she did, and she said, “Hi”. She was in my dance class and we danced together all the time. Anytime we had a show to put on, we were the frst to start the show. Sadly, I found out that she was going to be leaving the dance class for good. I looked at her with a sad look on my face and asked her why she was leaving the class. She told me, “The class is fun and all, but I need to start making some money for all the work I do.” I looked at her and said, “Do what you have to do.” I walked of without saying anything else.
The next day I was on my way to class and I saw my mom talking to my dance teacher. They both looked at me with upsetting faces, but my mom was really upset because I found something I liked doing and she was trying to take it away from me. My mom had me removed from that class, but it didn’t stop me from going to the class. My old dance teacher told me was I welcome to come to her class anytime. After that, I took my dance step on the road, but at frst people didn’t really care about the black kid growing up and sharing the arts. They were more about the money, like me. It was funny. I was trying to make myself better, but I heard from my mom, “you will never do anything good in this world we live in”. I looked at her and told her I was going to be doing great things in this world. My brother was my mom’s favorite child, but that day she changed her way of thinking only for herself. My mom knows I love music and dancing; however, she didn’t care. She thought I wasn’t going to make any money. Three years later, I live in South Carolina and I’m 21 years old. I still love music and dancing. I walk to work dancing or singing a Michael Jackson song in my head. I still think about the things my mom told me as a child and it’s still hard for me to let it go. It was hard, but not anymore, and that’s the pain I live with.
Anthony Guinty Tri-District Adult Education
- 67 - UNSTOPPABLE
I am unstoppable! I want to pursue my education. I had to stop going to school because I had to help my parents. I stopped at the eighth grade. I didn’t want to, but I didn’t have a choice but to do so.
My parents worked a farm each year. That was the way they had to provide for the family. They also planted a garden. It was hard during those days. I wished each day that I could go to school like other children, but I couldn’t go. As I got older, I got married and started a family of my own. I said to myself, “One day I am going to get a chance to go back to school.”
I was not going to let anything or anyone stop me from doing something for myself. Having an education is very important for whoever wants to get it. I have learned something that I didn’t know before. I am going to keep pressing toward the mark until I get what is there for me.
Minnie Jeter Tri-District Adult Education
- 68 - UNSTOPPABLE
Unstoppable means being unable to stop. I will be unstoppable in Adult Education as I get my GED. I will also be Unstoppable at York Technical College. I will not stop trying. Unstoppable means successfulness.
John Maners Tri-District Adult Education York Site
- 69 - SOUTH CAROLINA PROFILE OF THE GRADUATE The profle was approved by South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA), Superintendent’s Roundtable, SC Chamber of Commerce, SC Education Oversight Committee, SC State Board of Education, SC Department of Education, Superintendents and the SC Chamber. These entities worked together for eighteen months to try and identify where the shortfalls were in a SC diploma and entrance into college and the workforce. They agreed that in order to be successful in college and careers, SC graduates must have the knowledge skills and characteristics on this profle.
WORLD-CLASS KNOWLEDGE WORLD-CLASS SKILLS
Rigorous standards in language Creativity and innovation arts and math for career Critical thinking and problem solving and college readiness Collaboration and teamwork Multiple languages, science, technology, engineering, Communication, information, media and technology mathematics (STEM), arts and social sciences Knowing how to learn
LIFE AND CAREER CHARACTERISTICS
Integrity • Self-direction • Global Perspective • Perseverance • Work Ethic • Interpersonal Skills
© SCASA Superintendents’ Roundtable Adopted by: SC State Board of Education, SC Department of Education, SC Education Oversight Committee, SC Arts Alliance, SC Arts in Basic Curriculum Steering Committee, SCASCD, SC Chamber of Commerce, SC Council on Competitiveness, SC School Boards Association, TransformSC Schools and Districts.
- 70 - PROFILE OF ADULT EDUCATION Adult Education has transitioned over the years. The “new Adult Education Program” is almost unrecognizable! Adult education has entered a new era. However what is left of the “night school” concept of adult education are the core values and the original mission of adult education and that is the need for quality education for both children and adults. The continuously changing needs of the workforce, incorporation of technology and global competition have played a signifcant role in the continuous evolution of adult education. Added to Adult Education are new goals for multiple educational pathways to literacy, employment and careers.
Adult Education Facts • Adult education programs offer individualized instruction to obtain a high school equivalency diploma, high school diploma and/or a career readiness certificate. • Already have a diploma but you’re trying to reenter the job market, prepare for higher education, or develop different areas of literacy such as math, reading or language? Adult education offers skills upgrade classes. • Adult education programs offer services for people who already have diplomas or post-secondary degrees. • Schedules are very flexible at every adult education program. • Many adult education programs offer childcare for parents/guardians while they pursue their educational goals. • Adult education programs offer individualized lessons based on where the student is educationally at entry. • Small class sizes are the norm in Adult Education. • Adult education programs offer career pathways. • Adult education programs offer opportunities for apprenticeships. • Need a Career Coach? When students enroll in adult education they have access to career coaches. We call them College and Career Navigators or CCN’s for short. • Adult Education offers English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. • Adult education programs offer the GED but also the ACT as well as SAT Prep and ASVAB Prep classes. • Students can be dually enrolled with Adult Education and a Technical College. • Students are provided with the opportunity of Career Pathway exploration. • Soft skill development is included in every phase of adult education journey. • Assessment services include administration of the Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE), Worldwide Interactive Network (WIN) and General Education Development (GED). • Adult education has a network of partners for referrals to supportive services, employers, training and post-secondary education. • Many adult education programs offer parenting support and Family Literacy. • Adult education teachers are certified instructors. • There is so much more and it doesn’t cost much money to attend adult education. Many programs are free or low cost. • Workforce preparation skills are embedded in every adult education class and activity.
- 71 - ADULT EDUCATION BY THE NUMBERS
During the 2019-2020 Adult Education Program Year:
• 19,276 adults participated in the fifty-three adult education programs around the state • 2,443 High School Equivalency Diplomas (HSED’s) were earned by adult education students • 669 High School Diplomas (HSD) were earned by adult education students
- 72 - Division of Federal, State, and Community Resources OFFICE OF ADULT EDUCATION Karla M. Hawkins, Deputy Superintendent
Michael R. King, Director
Audrey Adams, Jennifer Cooper-Keels, Administrative Specialist Education Associate
Megan McCoy-Baker, Paula Lewis, Administrative Specialist Administrative Specialist
Colleen Clark, Marci Lynn, Team Leader-Education Associate Program Coordinator
Dominique Dunbar, Kammie Reed, Education Associate Education Associate
Andrena Duren, Marethe Weathers, Education Associate Administrative Specialist
Eva Evans, Rebecca Wilcox, Program Assistant Administrative Specialist
Wendy Grifn, Montsie Yarborough, Team Leader-Education Associate Administrative Specialist
Rose Heath, Mary Gaston, Education Associate Auxiliary Staff
Mary Hugee, Erin Miller, Program Assistant Auxiliary Staff
Harriette Jenerette, Janet Thompson, Team Leader-Education Associate Auxiliary Staff
Ikeya Jenkins, Kathy Woodson, Administrative Specialist Auxiliary Staff
- 73 - Adult Education PROGRAM DIRECTORY Program Director Phone No. Abbeville Skip Hopkins 864-366-5427 Abbeville Deborah Ayers 864-366-5427 Adult Learning Center Bill Brasington 864-562-4104 Aiken Garen Cofer 803-663-4920 Allendale/Hampton/Jasper Karen Whitlock 803-902-1052 Anderson 1, 2 Janice Walpole 864-947-9311 Anderson 3, 4, 5 Katie Brown 864-260-5075 Bamberg/Barnwell Joye Hallman 803-541-6021 Beaufort Dr. Juanita Murrell 843-322-0780 Berkeley Dr. Lillie Caldwell 843-899-8703 Charleston Susan Friedrich 843-746-6445 Cherokee Lisa Hannon 864-206-6993 Chester Dr. Carmen Brittain 803-581-9324 Chesterfield Marla Hamilton 843-623-2204 Clarendon Lara Kolb 803-473-2531 Colleton Christopher Horvath 843-782-0018 Darlington-Lee Chuck Miller 843-398-2856 Dillon Brooksie Singleton 843-774-1218 Dorchester Mona Caudle 843-873-7372 Edgefield/McCormick Vickie Butler 803-275-4158 Fairfield Dr. LaNisha Tindal 803-635-4859 Florence Carol Hill 843-758-6411 Florence Area Literacy Christina Lawson 843-667-1908 Council Georgetown Jim Ferdon 843-546-0219 Greenville Michael Thorne 864-355-6085 Greenville Literacy John Jaraczewski 864-467-3556 Association, Inc. Greenwood Doris Watson 864-941-5449 Horry Etta Carter 843-488-6200 Kershaw Weyland Burns 803-425-8980 Lancaster Dr. Kim Linton 803-416-8902
- 74 - Adult Education PROGRAM DIRECTORY Program Director Phone No. Laurens Dr. Joe Makla 864-938-1524 Lexington 1 Brian Barrineau 803-821-2950 Lexington 2, 4 Christy Henderson 803-739-4048 Lexington 3 Randall Price 803-532-1742 Lexington 5 Paula Wright 803-476-8229 Marion Candyce Brooks 843-423-2591 Marlboro William Jorgensen 843-479-5923 Newberry Roberta Kinard 803-321-2112 North Family Community Sandra Sigmon 803-247-3433 Oconee Steve Moore 864-886-4429 Orangeburg/Calhoun Dr. Renee Ritter 803-268-2533 Palmetto Unified Beverly Holiday 803-896-1548 School District Pickens Dr. Allen Fain 864-397-3833 Richland 1 Dr. Marva Coates 803-343-2939 Richland 2 Bobby Cunningham 803-736-8787 Rock Hill 3 Don Gillman 803-981-1393 Saluda Jimmy Crawford 864-445-3346 Spartanburg Erin Black 864-594-4428 Sumter Sharon Teigue 803-778-6432 The Literacy Center Brad Steele 843-815-6616 Trident Literacy Eileen Chepenik 843-747-2223 Tri-District Kristy Austin 803-810-8443 Union/SCC Isaac McKissick 864-466-0348 Williamsburg Valeria Brown 843-355-6887
- 75 - AFTERWORD- ABOUT ADULT EDUCATION The literacy rate in South Carolina and the needs of the workforce are what drive adult education. Adult Education practitioners are always recruiting new students. To impact the ffteen percent illiteracy rate in South Carolina the goal is to keep a steady fow of students entering and leaving adult education programs. According to research the most frequent causes of illiteracy in adults are having parents with little schooling, lack of books at home and lack of reading stimulation as a child, dropping out of school, difcult living conditions including poverty, and learning disabilities. The barriers are understood but through continuous program development, infusing innovative ideas, varied instructional methods, partnerships with employers and other agencies, Adult Education programs are equipped to make a substantial diference in the lives of students that need the educational and career services ofered by programs.
What is the Mission and Vision of Adult Education? The mission of adult education in South Carolina is to assist adults in becoming literate and obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufciency; to assist students who are parents in obtaining the educational skills necessary for them to become full partners in the educational development of their children, and to assist, encourage and support students in the completion of a secondary-school credential, obtain and/or advance on a job. The vision of adult education is for all South Carolina adults to have a high level of literacy that enables them to access needed information, take independent action, express ideas and opinions, keep up with the changing world, and exercise rights and responsibilities as family members, workers, and community members.
Who Administers Adult Education? The adult education program in South Carolina is administered by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) which falls under the authority of The South Carolina State Board of Education. The SCDE is responsible for K-12 public education and is under the supervision of the elected State Superintendent of Education. The Ofce of Adult Education is housed within the Division of Federal, State, and Community Resources and is responsible for the oversight and monitoring of the state’s adult education programs.
Who Does Adult Education Partner With? There are community wide partnerships that adult education programs collaborate with. Partnerships are promoted with state agencies, local municipalities, local workforce investment boards, community based organizations, faith- based groups, school districts, and other programs that serve youth and adults. Partnerships are welcomed with all agencies and employers who desire to promote literacy and strengthen the workforce.
- 76 - Where are Programs Found? In South Carolina, there are currently ffty-three adult education programs that serve the seventy-nine school districts. The ffty-three programs are administered by school districts, community-based organizations (CBOs) and the Palmetto Unifed School District (PUSD) which serves the incarcerated population within the SC Department of Corrections. Adult education providers may create a consortium to ofer adult education services in more than one county or school district. Most programs have satellite sites to ensure access.
Who Can Attend? Adult education programs are voluntary. Adult education programs serve individuals seventeen years of age and older who need to improve their basic skills with an emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and English language profciency. Adult education students under the age of eighteen must be assigned to adult education by the local school board. Some adults enroll in adult education to improve their basic literacy and/or numeracy skills, others to attain their high school equivalency diploma, high school diploma, obtain employment, advance on the job and/or work toward a career.
What Does Adult Education Offer? Adult education programs aford opportunities for students to obtain a high school equivalency diploma (HSED), a high school diploma (HSD), a Career Readiness Certifcate (CRC), participate in English as a Second Language classes (ESL) and Family Literacy (FL). Students also are provided the opportunity to participate in apprenticeships, integrated education and training programs and career pathways.
Does Adult Education Offer Distance Education? Adult education programs ofer distance education learning activities in the event that students and instructors are separated by geography, time or both, for more than ffty (50) percent of the instructional period. Instruction can be provided by way of computer software, web-based programs, Online technology, printed materials, as well as audio and video broadcasts. Student/teacher interaction is maintained through Online technology, software applications, email, telephone and US Mail. Students can accumulate initial contact hours with program staf using any combination of in-person and virtual contact. The contact can be made through face-to-face, telephone, video, teleconference, or Online communication interaction. www.ed.sc.gov/instruction/adult-education
- 77 - Adult Education Writing Project Volume IV ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Illustration & Design by Kim Hanzo — Owner, Lellow Lolly LLC — www.lellowlolly.com
Composition, Editing and Formatting Thank you to the Ofce of Adult Education Staf who at moment’s notice, in the middle of adjusting to work life outside a brick and mortar building, dropped projects to review, edit and brainstorm about the Adult Education Writing Initiative. Your willingness to bring the fourth Volume to fruition is a testament to your team spirit and your commitment to adult education.
A special thank you to Dr. Kathy Greer, Dorothy Villines and Cal Sumter for valuing Adult Education. Your input was invaluable.
“God steps into the sufering with us, and He takes it on Himself, and He walks through it with us, and He uses it to create something in us that is unstoppable. I think He is perfect, all-powerful and has an unstoppable plan for everyone, including those who love Him and those who don’t.” — Kirk Cameron
Be unstoppable...
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