Thursday, 04 March 2010

• GED Pep talk!

  
  

  Many people now are going back to school for new careers. Since so many jobs want degrees over experience, baby boomers are going to college, often for the first time. Many people are also getting their GED (General Equivalency Diploma) for other reasons. I had to get one too because when I moved out of state, the state refused to accept my state exams & papers, so I didn't get a state diploma. I got a certificate of completion (meaning I finished high school but I didn't get a state recognized passing). Mind you, I attended all 4 years of school & graduated a month early. Rather than go on about how crappy state exams are, lets talk about GEDs.
  
  First off, here's what a GED does NOT mean:
  
  -GED earners are NOT lazy drop outs. Drop out is a broad term. It doesn't mean the person was lazy. Life happens. They could have been sick & missed a lot of school or had to get a job to help the family. You can't judge someone because of past decisions as a kid. The fact that they're going back for it shows they care & want to better themselves & their family life. My grandma got her GED after having all of her kids & she was so happy. 
  
  -A GED is NOT less than a diploma. You learn & take the same high school level work to get the diploma. Many now say High School Diploma instead of GED. I'd be lying if I didn't say some people turn up their noses when they see "GED" but like I say, you can't judge & that act shows their snooty character.   
  
  -GED earners are NOT all baby boomers. Like I said, I had to get one because of state conflicts. I can't do anything without a diploma or GED so I had to get it one.
  
  The GED program started in the 1940s to help soldiers & Veterans from WWII. You have to remember a chunk of our Military back then were high school aged kids. My old high school in fact has a WWII memorial in the front entrance. When they came home & the war was over, many wanted to finish high school & go to college or get civilian jobs. So the GED program was born. Today 1 in 20 college students has a GED as well.
  
  No matter what your age is, education never stops. You learn everyday & choosing to better yourself through education is one of the best things you can do. If 80 year olds are getting their BA degrees, then what's the hold up with my generation? Get out there & chase your dreams!! If you don't have your diploma, don't be ashamed of yourself. There are places to help you at EVERY age. Plus, you can borrow GED practice books for free in the library. Testing costs vary by state but it's not very expensive. The price is worth it to get better jobs & go to school. The only time people hold you down is when you let them.
  
  Look for GED testing centers in your neighborhood & register there. Don't go online or by mail. They scam people because they know people badly need them & they'll do anything. Your safest & most secure bet is going to a library or high school & asking about them. They usually test on a weekly basis so the sooner you study & pass, the better. Then you can work your way up as you please.
  
  Good luck! =D

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