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Kathryn Stephens said that when she started the GED program at Lincoln Trail College, she was motivated. “This is something that I have wanted for a long time, but I didn't have any self-motivation. Here recently I have been motivated. My daughter has started preschool, so I figured that was a perfect time to start going back to school for myself and I have recently enrolled in college, and I'll be starting in the spring.”
Danyelle Ayres, who was named the 2022 Arthur J. Stejskal Teacher of the Year by the Illinois Adult and Continuing Educators Association, says Stephens completed the GED program quickly. “She was the fastest in my time teaching here. It only took her about four weeks to complete the program and earn her GED.”
Stephens says Ayres was very helpful in her GED journey. “At first, it seems very overwhelming because you get this great big book with all this information, but you have a great teacher, and she helps you to take it one lesson at a time so it's not so overwhelming and breaks it down for you.”
She says the one-on-one attention was important to her because Ayres was always there if she was struggling with a subject.
Stephens plans on attending Lincoln Trail College in the spring. Her goal is to become a drug and alcohol counselor after earning a college degree.
She says if you’re thinking about getting a GED, stop thinking about it and do it. “Just do it. Don't be overwhelmed. Like I said, take it one lesson at a time. It is hard and it is hard to get your head back in the game but is so worth it in the end.”
For a long time, Stephens never thought she would be in the position she is now. “I never thought that this day would come. But now that it has, it's like I get that whole feeling of self-satisfaction. This is so much more than just a piece of paper to me. This is my whole life. All the doors have opened because of this piece of paper. It's gave me all my self-worth and everything. My confidence is through the roof now because I know that I can do it and my potential is endless.”
