Julia Martin, new adult education coordinator at Allen County Community College, knows first-hand the emotions residents of Joplin are feeling following massive tornado destruction to the city.
A native of Picher, Okla., Martin and her family lost their home during a tornado that destroyed much of Picher on May 10, 2008.
Joplin also holds a soft spot in her heart. She was a resident of the city while a student at Missouri Southern State University.
“So many memories the tornado damage brings back to me. I can tell the people of Joplin you never forget but you do go on,” said Martin.
Martin was a history education major at Missouri Southern, but said she felt led to social work following graduation.
“It was a surprise to me that I became a social worker, but I do like helping people,” she said.
She moved to Iola 5 1⁄2 years ago to be near her sister, Erica, who was a teacher at Iola High School and to take a position as a mental health case manger for the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center.
It was through her work at the mental health center that she met Ryan Bilderback, adult education director for ACCC. Bilderback periodically visits with people at the center to encourage them to complete their general educational development diplomas.
When Vivian Copsey resigned her position as the program’s coordinator at the college Bilderback encouraged Martin to apply.
“It was time for a change. I am still working one-on-one with people, and I like helping students to achieve their goal of a high school equivalent diploma,” she said
AS COORDINATOR of the adult education program, Martin enters testing data to determine a student’s strengths and areas where they need help.
“I am here to field questions from potential students and to calm their fears about returning to school,” she said.
Students need to have a mind set that they want to succeed, Martin said. They need to attend classes and keep up with the daily work. Missing one or two math classes could prevent them from passing the GED test, she said.
“We truly do care about our students. We are here to help them if they want to help themselves,” Martin added.
THE NEXT GED session begins on July 5. Enrollment should be made prior to the beginning of classes by calling Martin at (620) 365-5116, extension 250. A $25 materials fee and a $68 GED testing fee are part of the process. Tests are administered by educators from Paola.
