HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — Having a high school diploma or a General Educational Development diploma, or GED diploma, is important in opening doors to higher learning and job opportunities.
The Guam Community College on Wednesday will hold an open house for its college adult education program to provide an opportunity for attendees to learn more about getting a high school diploma or a General Educational Development certificate.
It’s an opportunity that program graduate Shirley August encourages others to take.
“I wanted to do the program because I wanted to get a better job instead of working at hotels (as a) massage therapist, bartender (or) server. I was looking for a permanent 8-to-5 job. So I went ahead and took the program,” August said.
August was 40 years old when she began the high school diploma program. She graduated in 2019.
“Before I graduated, on Dec 11, 2019, I went ahead and applied for jobs in the government, and so I got hired at GCC. I wanted to further my education, so I went ahead and did three years of college and graduated March 16 before Typhoon Mawar hit, and I graduated with an associate of science degree,” August said.
She said if it wasn’t for the adult education program, she wouldn’t be where she is today.
“It changed my life. … I’d probably still be working two to three jobs. I wouldn’t have gotten this far to be where I am at. The adult education program has given me a lot of hard work (and a) promotion where I am at right now,” she said.
“Open house attendees will meet the adult education programs team that will guide potential students through the enrollment process and help them achieve their educational goals. Achieving this milestone will lead to continuing their post-secondary journey or may open doors to career opportunities,” said Mariesha Cruz-San Nicolas, GCC associate dean of pre-collegiate programs for the School of Trades and Professional Services.
Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the GCC campus as well as meet current students and graduates in the program, such as August.
“The beginning process might seem hard, but it’s never ever too late. No matter your age (or) ethnicity, it’s never too late. For me, I just had to sacrifice what I must do to gain that. It’s never too late. If you want a change in your life, you just need to graduate,” August said as she noted it took her 20 years to go back to school.
The college adult education program includes a course in English as a second language or refresher courses in mathematics and English.
The program is open to individuals at least 18 years old who are not enrolled in high school.
The open house will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at GCC’s Building 6000.
Guam Community College is seen April 12, 2023, in Mangilao.
