Adult Basic Education helps local mom get back to work

By Kirk Mason (mason@wsbt.com)

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Jessica Megonnell got her GED through an Adult Basic Education program in Plymouth. She is now an assistant manager at a clothing store, and plans to go to college to be a nurse. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Mar 26, 2009 at 2:47 PM EST

Story Updated: Mar 29, 2009 at 9:07 PM EST

PLYMOUTH — Jessica Megonnell is on maternity leave with her new baby. Of course, to be on maternity leave you have to be employed! That was something that, not too long ago, seemed far-fetched.

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"Oh I know I wouldn't have my job if I didn't have my GED,” she told WSBT News.

When Jessica was in high school her father became sick with terminal cancer. She dropped out of school to help take care of him.

Joining the workforce after her father died became very difficult without a high school diploma.

"Definitely an education, with the way things are now, helps,” she said.

Jessica turned to a program in Plymouth called Adult Basic Education. It gets adults in a classroom setting to earn a GED. Deb Sherwood runs the program.

“The hardest step to do is to walk back into the classroom, no matter how long you’ve been out of school,” Sherwood said. “And we want to give them the confidence that they can succeed.”

This program takes commitment — on average four to six months, meeting three hours a day, three days a week.

But Jessica Megonnell says don't be intimidated.

“They'll help you out. If you don't think you can do it, there are people there that will help you. They're more than willing to help,” Megonnell explained. “I was scared to death. I didn't think I could do it.”

Many of the people taking these classes now are laid off from the RV industry — a hard working group that will be better prepared for the workforce when the economy improves.

“Those who have been in the workforce have lost their job, but have done a fantastic job for their company, and now they need to work on their skills to get their GED to help them become more employable,” Sherwood added.

Jessica Megonnell is proof going back to school works … and her GED is just the beginning.

Now an assistant manager at a clothing store, she eventually hopes to go on to college and become a nurse — one career field that is hiring right now.

The Plymouth Adult Basic Education Program has been able to add classes through state funding, and they needed to because there's a big demand. If you're interested, call (574) 936-7268. You don’t have to live in Marshall County to take part.

Join us every Thursday at 6 p.m. as we introduce you to another family and show you how they're coping with unemployment. Here on WSBT.com you can read their stories, plus find resources to help you and your family, friends or neighbors.

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