By Susanne Reynolds

Special to The Post-Searchlight

Bainbridge State College Adult Education was pleased to honor 22 GED graduates on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the Charles H. Kirbo Regional Center.

There are many life situations than can affect the completion of high school—and that is where Bainbridge State College’s Adult Education steps in, serving Decatur, Miller, Early and Seminole Counties.

Twenty-two graduates completed the requirements and received their diplomas on Tuesday evening.

An Adult Education graduate and now Bainbridge State College student, spoke to the recent graduates about her experience and how the Adult Education program “changed her life.”

Kathryn Patterson of Whigham received her GED from Adult Education after deciding she did not want to go back to high school once completing her freshman year.

“As a person that dabbles primarily in the arts and humanities, I was not exactly a favorite amongst my peers,” she said. “Having concluded my freshman year in the spring of 2014 with good grades, my parents were willing to let me transition to homeschooling if we had an acceptable plan.”

Patterson was not too keen on “sitting” at home doing schoolwork, but her stepfather had a solution after viewing an Adult Education classes sign in town.

The willing young student was able to attend the GED classes with BSC’s Adult Education and received her GED as soon as she turned 16.

She said, “I was going to be able to go to college at 16 and I couldn’t believe it.”

To many young students, the idea of missing prom and transitioning into the college world would scare them—but not Patterson. She claimed the staff and faculty of the Adult Education program made the transition less frightening.

“I had wonderful instructors at Adult Education,” she said, “Had they not established such a wonderful atmosphere, I’m not sure I would have done as well.”

Today, Patterson is the Junior Representative for the Student Government Association (SGA) at BSC, along with being president of both the history and political science clubs.

She plans to pursue a PhD. In English with a minor in Russian and International Affairs.

With success stories such as Patterson’s and countless others, Adult Education continues to strive for success within each of its students.

Jason Rubenbauer, the Dean of Health Sciences and Professional Studies, commented, “Obtaining a GED is a life changing experience for our graduates. Many of our students have faced some extreme challenges in their lives and this step opens a door to a whole new world for the student and in many instances their family.

I am very proud of each of our graduates and hope that we will see our program continue to grow.”

Nan McIntosh, the Adult Education Administrator, added, “The entire staff at BSC Adult Education is so proud of the accomplishments of these 2016 graduates.  They exemplify determination and dedication against all odds and obstacles.  These students were very motivated to earn their GED credentials and they finish at an ideal time to transition into college courses at the college in January. We are hoping to have even more.”

Since last year, the Adult Education Program at Bainbridge State College has reached new goals and has grown significantly in enrollment and the number of students graduating.

According to the National Reporting System (NRS), the overall statewide enrollment for Adult Education is down -4.1 percent; however, Adult Education at BSC is up by 17.6 percent.

For more information about the Adult Education Program, please visit www.bainbridge.edu or call 29.248.2517.