Alaska@Work:
Judith Lamunu
Alaska Adult Education participant
Nine Star Adult Education Center
June 26, 2021
Age: 26
AAE participant: 2018-2020
What did you study in the AAE program?
"Since I earned my diploma, I got another certification with my GED diploma as a certified nursing assistant. Because all I want in my life is to help and work with people in the medical field and I decided to further my education. My goal is to become a nurse and primarily serve people in the community."
How has the pandemic affected your schooling?
"During pandemic I was doing online classes with my teachers from home for over a year. And all lessons and testing were provided online. However, doing classes from home was very difficult due to lack of resources like textbooks, Internet and more."
What is your favorite class?
"English was my favorite class, because my English teacher inspired me in a way I could not imagined. She got me into a position where I can read, speak and write English, and she helped me see the value of the education."
What kind of advice would you give other adult students?
"With a GED diploma you can find better jobs, attend college and become successful. I am here to tell you, when I first joined Nine Star I had challenges with language barriers, and I struggled. So it was hard to get where I am. Nine star has shown me that having English as a second language cannot stop you from achieving your dream. I went through it, and I made it, and I believe you can still do the same."
How has the AAE program helped you?
"I have to say that my life has changed since the day I earned my diploma and my CNA license. Because of this training and experience I have, I believe I would succeed in this field I have chosen nursing as my career."
What are your future goals?
"My goal is to become a nurse and primarily serve people in the community and get a good-paying job. I look forward to a future where I can use my nursing degree to help save lives in health care career goals."
Words to encourage:
"First of all, I would like to congratulate all the English learners and the students who earn their high school diploma by GED examination, including me. And to those who speak English as the second language: Having English as a second language cannot stop you from getting your dream, because you"re are not alone. You don't have to be afraid to fulfill your dreams."
Alaska Adult Education provides grant funds to agencies like Nine Star Adult Education Center for services to adult learners to prepare them for employment, vocational training or postsecondary education. For more information, visit the Alaska Adult Education website.
