General Education Development( GED)
The Unexpected Learner
Student Name: Sullivan J. Teacher: Patricia DeFerrari
Lenora just retired as a librarian after dedicating forty one years of her life. It was hard to leave her passion behind, but now she’ s embracing a new journey. She decided that it was time for her to explore a new hobby. Last week, her daughter, Charlotte, told her that she“ needs to keep up with the times”, giving Lenora the idea to take a class for adult studies for a digital network class.
Lenora paced back and forth in her bedroom closet looking over every dress before scrunching her nose. Nothing felt perfect enough to wear for her first day. She briefly reminiscenced on when she was in university. It’ s been eons, but even she knew first impressions are the best impressions. Rummaging through her clothes, her eyes landed on a blue and white striped, long sleeve blouse. She paired it with basic white pants and tan flats. Then she put on her short, dangling pearl earrings, a long silver necklace with a deep emerald gemstone pendant and her oversized squared shades that had gray ombre lenses and a thin gold frame. Lastly, she grabbed her large tan bag that she had packed the night before. Not wanting to be late, she looked over herself one last time before scurrying out the door.
Lenora clutched her bag tightly as she shuffled into the classroom, her sensible flats tapping softly against the tiled floor. Rows of sleek computers lined the tables, their bright screens displaying the words: Digital Networking Basics: Day 1. She scanned the room observing the clusters of younger students chatting buoyantly.
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The GED in English program prepares students to take the official GED exams and earn their high school equivalency credential. The curriculum focuses on reading, writing, and math skills with units that incorporate social studies and science content.
Lenora chose the farthest seat in the back corner, hoping to be invisible. She placed her bag down and pulled out her notebook with her pen neatly clipped to the edge. After sitting her notebook on the table, she stared inquisitively at the glowing screen.
Moments later, a buoyant voice emerged quickly interrupting her thoughts.“ Hi! First time here?”
Lenora looked up to see a woman in her late 20’ s, her curly hair pulled back into a bun, smiling warmly. She wore a black blazer over a white graphic t-shirt that read, Make It Happen, in bright red letters.
“ Yes, it is,” Lenora replied, managing a polite smile.“ I thought I’ d try something new.”
“ Well, you’ re in the right place. I’ m Daisy, the instructor. And you are?”
“ Lenora. Lenora Hall.”
“ Nice to meet you, Lenora. Don’ t worry, this is a beginner-friendly course. By the end of today, you’ ll know the basics of building an online presence.”
Lenora nodded politely as Daisy moved on, greeting other students. She sighed and looked back at the screen, where the words seemed to mock her. Building an online presence? She wasn’ t even sure what that meant.