A 20-Year Journey to Success: Robin Gagne Achieves Her GED Dream
Thomasville, GA (04/17/2025) — Robin Gagne of Pelham, Georgia, refused to let life's challenges keep her from achieving her educational goals. After a 20-year journey, Robin successfully earned her GED in March of 2025 through Southern Regional Technical College's (SRTC) adult education program.
Robin's educational journey was interrupted during high school when her father passed away, leaving her and her sister to care for their mother in Seminole County. Despite these difficult circumstances, Robin never abandoned her dream of completing her education.
The path wasn't easy. Robin, who had been in special education from 5th grade through high school, struggled with traditional classroom learning and battled testing anxiety. Math problems and essay writing presented particular challenges, especially as the GED curriculum and grading systems evolved over the years.
"I needed an instructor that provided one-on-one support and was able to meet my needs for my way of learning," Robin explains.
Her breakthrough came when she connected with instructor LaDonna Delk at SRTC-Camilla. "She was patient with me and really took the time to help me learn and understand," Robin shares. This personalized approach made all the difference in Robin's journey to earning her GED.
LaDonna Delk, recently named SRTC's Adult Education Teacher of the Year, exemplifies the college's commitment to meeting students where they are and providing personalized educational support. Her innovative teaching approach and dedication to understanding each student's unique learning style have helped countless adult learners achieve their educational goals.
"Robin's journey is a testament to what happens when you refuse to give up," says Delk. "Despite facing numerous obstacles, she kept coming back and never lost sight of her goal. Robin didn't just earn her GED-she proved to herself and others that persistence truly pays off."
SRTC's math boot camp at the Thomasville campus proved crucial in helping Robin overcome her final hurdle. After two unsuccessful attempts, Robin finally passed the math portion of the exam-the last section she needed to complete her GED.
Throughout her journey, Robin's boyfriend provided unwavering support, accompanying her to the math boot camp and anxiously awaiting test results alongside her.
Now that she's achieved this long-sought goal, Robin plans to take a well-deserved break and spend quality time with her daughter and granddaughter.
For others facing similar challenges, Robin offers encouraging advice: "If you have a dream, go after it. And never say 'I can't.'"
Robin's perseverance exemplifies SRTC's commitment to helping students overcome obstacles and achieve their educational goals, no matter how long the journey may be.
Southern Regional Technical College offers over 150 degree, diploma, and certificate programs that are designed to get students quickly into their desired careers, and 28 general education courses that transfer to the University System of Georgia institutions and 19 private colleges and universities in Georgia. SRTC has instructional sites located in eleven counties across Southwest Georgia for the convenience of its students. The College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. For the most up-to-date information on registration, class dates, and program offerings, interested individuals can log on to www.southernregional.edu or call (888) 205 - 3449.
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