GWINNETT — Sophonie Joseph-Canel has been chosen to represent Gwinnett Technical College at the statewide EAGLE Leadership Institute March 11-13, 2019. The Leadership Institute recognizes and honors students who have demonstrated superior achievement in adult education classes and programs.
Sophonie’s story certainly exemplifies all this program is about. A resident of Norcross, Sophonie earned her GED from Gwinnett Tech in 2018 and is currently enrolled in the Early Childhood Care and Education program. Her career goal is to teach college level math to help those who struggle with the subject. Sophonie plans to continue her education, eventually earning her doctorate degree.
Sophonie’s “ah-ha” moment came when she realized her career would never advance if she didn’t earn her GED. “It had been 14 years since I pretended to graduate from high school, and it was time to get my life in order. Today I can proudly say that I am a student at Gwinnett Technical College. Something I thought I could never be, but here I am completing my very first semester. My dream was never to teach, but because of my experience and difficulties with obtaining my diploma, it has become a dream of mine.”
When asked what EAGLE, means to her, Sophonie said, “It means everything! More specifically it means that the streak of failure has ended and everything I do from here on out, will be a success because I learned how to lean on my faith to guide me.”
The Technical College System of Georgia, through its Office of Adult Education, sponsors the annual Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Leadership Institute. EAGLE is the first statewide program in the nation that recognizes and rewards excellence among students enrolled in adult education programs. This student recognition program is designed to create greater awareness of educational opportunities that are available in local communities across the state and to foster greater involvement in lifelong learning pursuits.