10.31.2011

Jennifer

When 17-year-old Jennifer moved to Tennessee from Florida with her mother, she planned to finish high school. Problems with transcripts and paperwork kept her from enrolling in the Madison school district. Even though 8-months pregnant, she was determined to graduate. The CWJC Madison satellite center helped her to achieve that goal with the GED training program. She enrolled in the program, which offered childcare, tutoring, and mentoring services. She started school a month after her baby was born. 

Jennifer acknowledged that “the adult learning situation without all the everyday drama of high school” kept her focused and revealed her math skills. She made friends with other students and bonded with her mentor, Maribeth. She enjoyed the activities at the center and appreciated the help with parenting. Jennifer said, “The child care service gave me a break, gave time for me.” Being introduced to bible study helped Jennifer make positive decisions about her new role as a mother. 

Maribeth believes the strong point of the program is the bible study, which enriches the students’ spiritual lives and provides help for their everyday living. She knows that Jennifer will succeed because of her determination and willingness to take on responsibility. “Jennifer is a girl with her head on straight, ready to step up in life,” says Maribeth.

Jennifer obtained a GED in December 2010. She works 40-plus hours a week, but plans to enroll in a nursing program at a community college, her first step in becoming a pediatrician. The positive experience at CWJC reminds Jennifer that people care and provide support through organizations that assist others in times of need. She hopes that CWJC will eventually offer programs that also assist college students.