National Park College’s (NPC) Adult Education Center had three students score in the
top 25 in the state for the GED test last year. Dahlia Cheshier, Matt’ea Roberts,
and Mason Red each topped the state’s list of high scorers.
Dahlia Cheshier scored first in the state among everyone who took the GED exam in
the 2020 calendar year. She decided to get her GED as a way to go to college and provide
more for her children.
Cheshier said, “Obtaining my GED was a huge achievement for me. I had wanted to get
my GED since I was 16, but I was always scared that I would fail. Not only earning
my GED, but being the top scorer gave me a sense of pride that I hadn't experienced
academically before.”
After seeing a Facebook ad, Cheshier learned that if she completed her GED at NPC,
she would also receive half off her tuition which gave her more motivation to complete
the GED program.
“A college education means a better life for my family. With a college degree I can
get a better job and a career that I actually enjoy. I also want to show my children
that they can achieve anything if they set their minds to it and work hard,” said
Cheshier.
Cheshier is pursuing her medical laboratory technology degree and would like to continue
to complete a bachelor’s degree after graduation.
Cheshier noted, “I would like to tell the people like me that are afraid to try to
earn their GED because they feel it will be too hard, to go for it. It is hard work,
but the result is worth the momentary struggle. There are many supports in place to
help you along the way. I earned my GED in the middle of a pandemic! If I can do it
anyone can.”
Assistant professor Leslie Braniger was surprised to learn that Cheshier was a nontraditional
student who maintained a full-time job and two small children. “She's definitely going
places, and as an instructor, that's one of those happy ending stories that I live
for.”
Professor of Biology, Darlene Gentles said, “Dahlia is a model student, always prepared,
had more maturity than her peers in the class and set the example for them. They say
that ‘everything works for good students,’ that applies to Dahlia. She will do well,
no matter the circumstances.”
Matt’ea Roberts scored 23rd in the state. She decided that she wanted to fast track
her education and opted to take her GED test instead of finishing classes at her high
school.
“I decided on this route as it meant I could go on and receive the classes I needed
that would prepare me for my future and degree completion,” said Roberts.
She is currently working on the prerequisite classes to enter the Respiratory Therapy
program. She chose NPC for it’s easy to learn environment and one-on-one relationship
with the professors.
“NPC has a really friendly, encouraging and flexible environment and they are responsive
to any problems that I had. They are truly there to help,” said Roberts.
Aprile Garner, assistant professor of mathematics said, “Matt'ea was a model student
in my College Algebra class, often making the highest score. Her intelligence is matched
by her diligence and grit. I see much success in her future.”
Assistant professor of English, Stephanie Warner shared, “Matt'ea was such a pleasure
to have in class. Her work ethic goes above and beyond, and I enjoyed her wonderful
contributions to our class discussions.”Mason Red scored 25th in the state. He opted to finish his high school career by obtaining
his GED so he could get a head-start on his college classes.
Red said, “By obtaining my GED I proved to myself that I was ready for college-level
education and that I could move ahead with earning my degree.”
As a GED student, Red received a 50% tuition discount to continue his education at
NPC. He would like to pursue a career in information technologies but is also interested
in coding software. By staying at NPC, he can take classes in both fields.
“Obtaining a college-level education is important to me because I believe it will
allow me to learn crucial skills that will prove helpful later in life and in the
workplace. Being left in charge of my own learning has also helped me develop a strong
work ethic and taught me a lot about managing my own time,” said Red.
Assistant professor of sociology Amanda Kruzel said, “Mason was an exemplary student
in my sociology course, making it to every single class. His tests and papers consistently
revealed his perceptive and incisive thinking on a vast array of social issues. As
someone who is incredibly hardworking and conscientious, Mason is sure to have a bright
career ahead of him in computer science.”
