Life is full of opportunities. Sometimes those opportunities coming knocking, but in most instances people wanting to move forward need to be the ones knocking on the door and being prepared when that door opens.
This past week we interviewed Cornelia Miller, who has retired with nearly 40 years from the community college, which is now Coastal Alabama.
She had multiple positions during her tenure, but it was evident that that past 12 years she spent as director of the college's adult education program were the most rewarding.
You can say that's where the rubber meets the road. For multiple reasons many people don't get to complete their high school education. They soon find out that in many instances when an opportunity knocks, they are left on the outside looking in.
For many, the first step is to receive their GED, which is offered free through the communi- ty college in locations in Atmore, Brewton and Flomaton.
We've attended high school graduations, but the smiles we see on the faces at a GED gradua- tion are true smiles from people who have made the commitment to better their lives.
As we talked with Miller we realized that everyone will not get their GED, but she said if those students can increase their math and read- ing skills, it's a move in the right direction.
State law tells us we have to go to school until we are 16 years old. Those who come back later are making a commitment to not only improve their lives, but the lives of their children.
In talking with Miller and other teachers in the adult education program, they all say it's the most rewarding work they have ever done. Seeing students who really want to help them- selves drives those teachers to help them.
There's an old saying about not being able to teach an old dog new tricks, but the adult educa- tion program does just that. It opens the doors of opportunity.
Whether you need your GED or you need help with reading, math or other subjects, the doors can be opened by calling 251-368-7633. You knock and the door will be opened.
