Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, July 22, 1990 TAG: 9007200362
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: B.J. SNYDER SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: FAIRLAWN LENGTH: Medium
Today, with two adolescents and a full-time job, Gray is preparing to take the high school graduate equivalency test and learning the clerical skills necessary to become a secretary.
Gray is enrolled in the adult Job Training Partnership Act at New River Community College.
The JTPA offers federal money to pay for the vocational training of eligible adults. To be judged eligible, a person must meet income-level requirements or receive public assistance, such as Aid to Dependent Children.
Gray selected her program because the physical requirements of her jobs in food service had started to become more difficult for her. "I'm slowing down," she said. "I chose clerical studies because I wanted to get into a field where I could still meet people, but the work might be easier on me. The pay is better, too; I've already checked into it."
Gray's training has included a class on preparing for employment, where she learned how to write a resume and properly fill out an application. "It really builds your self-confidence to know how to do it correctly. I feel now like I can compete for a job," Gray said.
Re-entering the classroom was a big step for Gray after an absence of several decades. She frequently mentions the fears which inhabit her thoughts. "People just don't understand how it feels for me to be so scared to try to do something that they probably do on an everyday basis," she said.
The support Gray receives from her teachers and JTPA coordinators, however, has encouraged her. "All the teachers are there to help you. They care very much about you, and they never look down on you," Gray said.
Gray's program requires about 10 hours of class time each week. She spends double that amount of time preparing for class. Although she must juggle these responsibilities with her full-time job and her family's needs, Gray is determined to succeed. "Everything I learn is so exciting to me," she said. "I'd never drop out because then I wouldn't improve myself. I've got to prove something to myself."
Along with her clerical training, Gray also receives instruction in English and math. Tutors are available to help students with these subjects if necessary.
Gray decided to enter the JTPA program after her brother's death. Her brother's memory serves as her inspiration to succeed. "I could see myself going nowhere fast, trying to make it through with little minimum-wage jobs. My brother kept telling me that I worked too hard and earned too little money. He wanted my life to be easier. So that's what keeps me going is the thought of him," she said.
Gray feels that her efforts to improve herself have also had a positive effect on her two sons. "I want to keep them in school and I think staying in school myself helps them." Gray's oldest son has reached the 10th grade, which is the highest level of education completed by anyone in her immediate family, she said.
"This is a big thing for me. This is a big thing for us - the whole family - that I can complete my education," Gray said. "Plus, my mother is just tickled to death that I'm back in school. I should have done it a long time ago," she added.
The JTPA program at New River Community College offers training in electrical instrumentation and electronics technology; practical nursing; geriatric nursing assisting; heating, ventilation, air conditioning and plumbing; and clerical and computer operations. The program can also occasionally accommodate people who seek training in other specific fields.
The program is designed to help people who dropped out of high school or who receive Aid to Families with Dependent Children. For those who qualify, training is fully funded - including books, child care and clothing or transportation funds if necessary.
Training can last from 3 1/2 weeks to two years, depending on the program selected.
Those interested in JTPA training should contact Patricia Ryan, Coordinator of JTPA programs at New River Community College, at 674-3608. Information can be obtained by calling 382-4595, ext. 331 in Montgomery County; 921-4595, ext. 331 in Giles County; or 745-4595, ext. 331 in Floyd County.
by CNB