This is a story about how I came to be an adult learner. My name is Trina Hankey I am 33 years old. I am a mother of two children. I have been working in dead end jobs for 10 years. I decided to go back to school and better myself and my family. So know I am in the links program at the NSCC.
When I was younger and in school. I was a student that struggled with math. I had a few great teachers that went out of their way to help me, but I had a lot that did not and just pushed me through. When I was in grade seven I was put in a program called Alternates. I was in that program until grade nine. I really liked that program I did pretty well. I had a really great teacher. In case you don't know what that program was it was for the students who were having a hard time in the regular class. We were put in smaller classes and did the same work as the other students, but at a loser pace. The teacher was able to work one on one more with you and the class was not very big. Then I went on to CEC and had a terrible time in there. I struggled so bad in there that I hated going. I made it to grade eleven. Then my life changed and I was dealing with a big decision for a girl of seventeen. I was pregnant.
I did stay in school until I was five months along. I was finding it really hard so I quit. I told myself I would go back after I had my baby, but I never did, life just got in the way. So I went out to work and I did that for years. I always felt I was missing out. I was Sick of those dead end jobs. I thought about going back to school. But I never got the courage to do it.
I got laid off from my job in June of 2008 which hated. I decided to try and go back to school. I found out about the links, program from my employment counsellor. He helped me get into the program. I have a friend of mine that decided to take the program to. So that was a big help having a friend. So this is where I am now I never thought it would happen. I wanted something better in my life. I was living from pay check to pay check and I was never getting ahead.
I am scared to death this is such a big step. I hope I don't fall on my face. I just want to better myself and my family's life so this is how I became here. I hope I am able to pull it off and not fall flat on my face. I just keep thinking in May 2010 I am going to graduate with my grade 12 and CCA course and it will be worth all the tears and hard work. I have to think positive that I can do this. I have great support and great teachers so I will be able to do it. I have to remind myself when things get bad I can do it. So that is my goal to finish this program, get a better job and to support my family better.