Angry parents confront school board

Leadville Herald-Democrat (Colorado) ^ | 20 mar 08 | Ann E. Wibbenmeyer

[11bravo wolfhoundf]

You ain’t gonna believe this GB, but I got my GED at age forty-five. I studied at home and I took math classes every morning with a guy on PBS TV. I got the GED book from the library as often as they would let me and my wife and kids helped me to pass the test.

I knew that it would take many months if not years for me to pass such a test. I guess it took me about eighteen months of studying and many mornings in prayer to finally get to a point where I was ready. My dad always said that things that come too easy were not worth having and that is a rule I live by today.

My approach to studying was simple. If I did fail the test, what were they going to do to me at forty-five - shave my head and send me back to Vietnam? (wish I knew how to put those funny smiley faces here)

I am not foolish enough to think that I am smarter for passing the GED, but I am happy just the same for passing. In the letter that accompanied my GED, they said I passed with 60% of the graduating class that year. That ain’t bad for a guy who only completed the seventh grade.

Anytime I talk to a kid who thinks he is too dumb to succeed I tell them about my life with dyslexia and my inability to comprehend instructions. It may never help them, but I still try to help them understand that if an old man like me can do it, the can too. I also let them know that it requires dedication, perseverance, the big ol’ want to’s and to trust Father God above to succeed.

James

[Grizzled Bear]

Good for you!