IN THIS ISSUE

Introducing PASSPORT

Student Turns Lemons
into Lemonade — and Tacos

Adapting Environments to
Meet Special Needs

Success Comes in 3s

The Jacqueline Sue Bates Story

Mill Workers Go Back to School

GED Student Nominated for
Poet of the Year

Countdown to the New Millenium

Sometimes a devastating situation like losing a job can turn out to be a blessing in disguise, according to former Lindale Manufacturing Inc. employees who are now getting their GEDs at Coosa Valley Technical Institute. When the mill issued layoffs earlier this year, many former employees found themselves asking, "What now?"

"It was completely devastating when I found out I would be losing my job," said 45-year-old Pam King, an employee at the textile mill. "We're making the best of a bad situation now. We've gotten the opportunity to go back to school and further our education." Ms. King joins many other former employees of the mill who have decided to go back to school to get their GEDs from the Adult Learning Center at Coosa Valley Technical Institute.

"These people are taking advantage of this time to gain skills in order to get better jobs," said Nancy Simmons, an instructor at the Adult Learning Center. "Some will want to go back to the workforce after receiving their GEDs, while others will want to continue their schooling."

The workers who were once devastated about losing their jobs are now finding a positive side to their situations. "I am excited about my future," said 33-year-old Jimmy Gaines. "There are so many things I can do now that I never thought about before, like getting my truck driver's license or taking mechanic classes." Brenda White, 44, who has completed her GED, is also looking forward to her future. "I have decided to stay in school. Right now, I'm taking computer business application courses," she said.

The former mill workers agreed that enrolling at the Adult Learning Center is a great opportunity, and they intend to take full advantage of it. "Even if we don't pass the GED examination the first time, we will keep trying until we do," said 48-year-old Donald Reynolds. "I know this kind of opportunity won't come around again," he said. King agreed. "I didn't choose to lose my job, but I will never have an opportunity, at my age, to do anything like this again."

Regina Streetman, 51, said she hopes children will learn from her and former coworkers' situations and decide to stay in school. "People everywhere need to know that you never know how long a job may last," she said. "They need to be prepared to move on when the time comes. They have to be flexible. Most employers require a high school education before they will even let you put your name on the application."

The students added that they are grateful for the opportunity presented to them and will miss the teachers at the learning center. "There is no pressure here," Ms. King said. "The teachers don't look down on you. It's very laid back."

Jimmy Gaines added, "The teachers have been really encouraging. They helped us brush up our skills in math and reading, and those kinds of skills are needed all the time."

Susan Jennings, 44, a 21-year employee of the mill, said this opportunity has been a boost to her self-confidence. "If I can do something like this, I'll feel like I have accomplished a lot," she said.

GED program participants gather at the Coosa Valley Technical Institute's
Adult Learning Center. They are clockwise from left; Darlene
Stane, Randy Rittenhouse, Brenda Roberson, Regina Streetman, Kathy
Sharpe, Cindy Waits, Brenda White and Donald Reynolds.

Emily Lawrence
Staff Reporter
Rome News Tribune
Rome, Georgia
SDA 9