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“My daughter had to help me sign in on the computer at the doctor’s office,” Jackson said. “I thought if everything is going to be on computers, I need to learn how to use them.”
With GED classes starting in her hometown of Luthersville, Jackson took the opportunity to enroll. Having just finished taking piano lessons, Jackson wanted to continue to feed her appetite for learning.
“I felt like I could go back to school and get my GED, so I did,” she said.
While in school, Jackson dealt with the challenges of going to school for only eight hours a week while being the primary caretaker of her husband who suffered a stroke and dealing with the subsequent passing of her sister and brother.
“I couldn’t comprehend much at that time but I kept going,” said Jackson. “I could not stop going.”
“She has persevered,” said Cathi Martin, Jackson’s Instructor. “She took the GED numerous times and rather than become discouraged she has pursued her goal.”
Education is of the utmost importance to Jackson. In addition to working on her GED, Jackson has represented the West Georgia Technical College Adult Education Program by being an EAGLE contestant twice. The EAGLE award program promotes student excellence in adult education. As an EAGLE contestant, Jackson competed against other students from Heard, Troup and Meriwether counties and won first place.
Sherry Gray, Central Educational Center Lead Instructor, who has been the instructor for most of Jackson's enrollment and nominated her an EAGLE contestant, has seen first-hand her desire to achieve her goal. “Mrs. Jackson's perseverance is an example to all of us,” said Gray.
Jackson also has spoken at LaGrange College to Literacy Volunteers of America as well as to other community organizations about the importance of finishing an education.
“Mrs. Jackson embodies everything about learning for the sake of learning,” said Martin. “She is truly a lifelong learner who is now looking ahead to furthering her education. Her positive attitude and perseverance are inspirational.”
“Adult Education is one of the most important programs we offer here at West Georgia Technical College,” said President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “Mrs. Jackson’s drive and willingness to succeed is such an inspiration to all of us and I wish her the best in all of her future endeavors.”
After completing the GED program on September 15, 2011 at the age of 75, Jackson serves as an inspiration not only to her five children, 14 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren but also to everyone she comes in contact with.
“Getting my GED was a challenge for me but I enjoyed it,” said Jackson. “Learning is a part of life, and I intend to keep on learning as I grow older.”
Jackson plans to attend graduation ceremonies at the Murphy Campus on October 27.