North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) recently named Vincent Sandlin of Cleveland the 2020 Exceptional Adult Education in Literacy Education (EAGLE) winner. The EAGLE award is designed to create greater awareness of educational opportunities available in local communities across the state and to foster involvement in lifelong learning pursuits.
Sandlin says he chose to pursue a GED because he was in a homeschool setting. He had significant gaps that needed filling and he felt that the GED was the best option for him. Sandlin shares that he feels that most homeschooled students are always second-guessing themselves and wondering if they are good enough, smart enough and if they will ever have a successful future. He wanted to show himself and everyone that he could continue his education and be a role model for kids who were wanting to continue their education.
“For me, Adult Education has been a lighthouse of hope and prosperity in an ocean of endless doubts about my academic abilities,” said Vincent. “Obtaining a GED has allowed me to pursue my dreams of higher education as an architectural engineer by enrolling in the engineering technology program at NGTC.”
According to his instructor Jacqueline Townley, Vincent began the NGTC Adult Education Program with a lack of confidence, but that has been replaced with healthy self-esteem.
“He has developed this quality by setting goals, working diligently toward those goals, and then experiencing deserved and earned success. It has been a joy to watch him grow in confidence while maintaining his humility and appreciative nature,” said Townley.
Sandlin is originally from Flowery Branch and now resides in White County.
