by Teri Lewis
“You’re not quite college material,” the high school counselor said as I was leaving her office. I held back the stinging tears until I was sure I was out of sight. She was right! I had not exactly applied myself during my high school years. I was always late turning in homework and very seldom could I complete papers on time. There didn’t seem to be enough time in the day to do all I had to do.
I had been working a third shift job since tenth grade. My mother had been injured in an explosion at her plant and had not been able to work for some time. I knew it was up to me to help earn our living until she could return to work. I worked from 11 in the evening until seven the next morning, quickly dressed for school and made my way across town just in time for the eight o’clock bell. I’d leave school around noon and head home for much needed sleep. This was a daily routine until graduation.
I knew college would be harder for me but I also knew I needed to try. I took the SAT, applied to West Georgia College and was accepted. My first two quarters seemed to be a repeat of high school; too many assignments not being turned in and professors who somehow knew “I was not college material.” I soon dropped out. It was obvious that I lacked the brain cells to carry me forward into higher education.
Twelve years, several moves across many states, countless jobs, and much heartache later, I returned to West Georgia College; this time as an employee for the Newnan Center. I was employed to assist a newly hired director in establishing college classes for the local community. My specific job was to become a cheerleader for higher education. I perfected this role over the next two decades.
I turned 51 in 2011, and decided to follow my own advice and re-enter college. Beginning with one class per semester, I am now enrolled in four classes this spring semester. Summer semesters are the best as you compete against yourself for learning the material against the clock! You would be correct in labeling me an obsessive compulsive student. Now in my junior year, majoring in criminology, I hope to graduate summer or fall 2015. My master’s degree in counseling will soon follow. Life is truly about life-long learning and the University of West Georgia embraces learners of all ages.
In the years since graduating high school, I have learned much about myself. The doctors informed my husband and me that we would not be able to conceive a child. However, we are the proud parents of a twenty-five year old daughter that has been nothing but immense joy. In my mid-forties, I was diagnosed with ADD. I was not a candidate for the prescribed medications but I did benefit from several focus-therapy sessions. Most importantly, I have learned that I am college material!
Teri Lewis is the office manager and testing coordinator at the Newnan Center.
