“In my opinion, the hardest part of getting your GED is walking through the doors. The fear of the unknowns is real for many people”.
With a combined 43 years of teaching experience at RACE 1, Debra Watson and Judy Samples have seen many students walk through those doors and face the ‘unknowns’.
“Many students are just afraid to start because they don’t know what to expect. What I hope they understand is there is no judgement here. We just want them to succeed”.
Debra Watson is a RACE 1 GED instructor in Lee County, and also teaches inmates at the Duffield Regional Jail. Watson, a three-time honoree of the Roberta P. Smallwood Excellence in Adult Education Award, counts seeing students get out of jail with their GED is one of the most encouraging aspects of her job.
Judy Samples is a RACE 1 GED instructor in Wise County. Samples says she’s seen many students overcome personal obstacles to achieve GED success. “We are here to help them succeed. We understand they may have different life circumstances and obstacles to overcome, and a big part of our job is to encourage and support them on their journey.”
Debra and Judy are just two of the incredible Regional Adult and Career Education instructors serving Lee, Wise, and Scott Counties, and the city of Norton. A special thank you to ALL of our Instructors who are making a difference in the work they do!
It is simple to enroll in any local adult education class by calling 844-697-2231, or by visiting our website https://myrace1.org/. Our Instructors are ready to start with you!