This week the Illinois State Library spotlights Richland Community College in Decatur.

As a teenager, this adult learner dropped out of school to care for her mother and her sister’s children. One day the woman realized that her future would be limited unless she completed her education. She began Adult Basic Education classes, hoping they would help her obtain her GED. She was pregnant when she began classes but did not let that stop her from working toward her goal.

After having her baby, she took some time off. She struggled with child care and eventually decided to bring her new baby to the child education class to continue her studies. As she became more confident, she also began attending parenting classes. Last June, she passed the GED test and graduated.