Student keeps promise made to grandmother—graduates

Three students from the Halifax Community College-Elizabeth City State University Teacher Prep program had the chance to march across the stage at the Elizabeth City State University campus and receive their credentials on May 3, 2008. Bobby Corley was one of those graduates. The trio not only finished the program, but also graduated with straight “A” averages.

“We really pushed each other,” said Corley. The three were previously HCC students and benefited from the partnership. They were able to take classes at HCC and online throughout the program. Corley was an honor student and a math and English tutor while at HCC. Currently serving as a substitute teacher for Halifax County Schools, he has aspirations of becoming a full-time math teacher. Corley earned an Associate in Science-Teacher Associate degree in 1995 from HCC. He entered the Associate in Arts—Teacher Prep program in 2004 and transferred to ECSU in the spring 2006.

He had been a teacher assistant for Halifax County for 10 years when he decided to go back to school. “I promised my grandmother that I would finish my education and become a teacher. She has passed on now, but I kept my promise,” the Emporia, Va. resident said.
 

“Getting my GED was something I always wanted.”

June Webb started on a GED, but had to stop for health reasons. A second attempt did not work out either. Finally, she decided to try again and she started back on the GED, this time at Cool Spring Church. She had problems understanding the algebra portion, but the instructor was able to explain it in a way that Webb could grasp. After that, she attended classes on the main campus.

With the help of HCC instructors, she graduated in June 2007 and marched in the 2008 commencement. A retired factory worker, she wanted to earn her high school equivalency.

“Getting my GED was something I always wanted,” she said. “It has given me self-satisfaction.” A resident of Garysburg, she is a wife and mother of six children, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her future goals include trying to conquer the computer and to do more in her Bible studies.

“Know that people are willing to help you, even when you goof up. They encouraged me, and they make it easy and simple for you…If you are doubting, just know that if I can do it, anyone can do it. The Lord has blessed me,” she added.