Dream of Education Becoming a Reality for Tri-County Student

CONTACT: LISA GARRETT, EXT. 1506

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5/6/2002
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Five years ago, Billiejo Smith moved to South Carolina alone with her four children. She was separated from her husband, didn't have a high school diploma and was unemployed.

It was hard, she recalls, moving in with family until she could get a place of her own, working long hours at minimum wage jobs.

Fast forward to today, as a proud and confident Smith prepares to take the GED exam May 4, is enrolled in college courses at Tri-County Technical College and is working at Baker's Dozen in the Anderson Mall. An added bonus this week was being selected by President Don Garrison to receive the College's Faculty/Staff Scholarship.

When she received the letter about her scholarship nomination, she says she was overwhelmed. "If that's not a self-esteem booster, I don't know what is," said Smith, a single mom. "This is the first time I've ever been nominated for anything," she said.

It also will be the first time someone in her family obtained a GED, she added. (Smith dropped out of high school 18 years ago in Florida during her junior year. She entered night school back then, but when she was ready to take the GED, she was rejected because she wasn't 18 years of age.) "I was so disappointed that I gave up at the time," she recalls.

She credits Carra Smith, information specialist at Tri-County's information kiosk at the Anderson Mall, with giving her the courage to take the first step in fulfilling a lifelong dream of finishing her education and attending college. When working at the mall, she often sees Carra. "She is such a caring person," said Billiejo. "She was able to reach inside me and make me realize I am important and I do count. And I can do better for myself. 'You are worth it' she said many times to me."

"She motivated me to reach beyond what I ever thought possible. Carra is the reason I had the strength to do this."

So Smith took the first step and entered comprehensive studies classes as a refresher to take the GED. Her admission test scores were so high that she was able to take three Early Childhood Development classes, also.

After taking Tri-County's placement test, she entered an algebra class taught by Sue Dickerson. (Mrs. Dickerson nominated Smith for the scholarship.) "Mrs. Dickerson is unbelievable. She has a special way of bringing it all together so you won't forget it," said Smith, who maintains an A in the class.

A high school diploma is something I've longed for for many years. I always wanted to finish school. I'm ready for the GED. I'm not scared of May 4. I feel prepared and ready to go."

She plans to continue her education at Tri-County. "Mrs. Dickerson is leading me to take university transfer classes and to transfer to Clemson and pursue an education degree. She's helping to make my dreams become realities," said Smith.

"I see so much potential and promise in Billiejo," said Dickerson. "She is a very responsible and caring mom. She is gaining confidence in her own abilities. She now has a vision of reaching out to those in the world around her who need help and encouragement themselves to expand their horizons."
-30-