Student Spotlight: Angela Perry

If you want to see what true dedication looks like, look no further than Angie Perry of Shawsville.

Angie recently passed her GED -- after starting and stopping GED programs on and off for the last 30 years, after attending classes consistently for the last 3 years, and after taking the math test TEN times.

“I’ve attempted this several times in my life, and usually I feel like I don’t finish things,” said Angie. “But I told myself this last time, I’m not going to be a quitter. I want this. I’m going to stick with this to the end.”

Angie bought herself a 2025 graduation cap and gown to hang in her closet to motivate her to achieve her goal this year -- despite many obstacles.  She struggled with health issues, car issues, loss of family members, emotional setbacks every time she took the exam and didn’t pass, all while juggling raising her grandchildren, supporting her kids, and working in caregiving jobs -- but she didn’t let the obstacles stop her. “I just plowed through so many obstacles,” she said. 

“I’m all emotional,” shared Angie who teared up when she found out that she passed on October 27. “It was a long hard road. I feel really good. I feel like I accomplished something. Dedication was the key. I showed myself that I could do it -- and that makes a difference.” 

Angie credits her husband’s support with helping her keep working toward her goal.  “There were many times I was ready to throw in the towel. I’d say, I can’t do this after not passing the math. He'd say, yes you can. I know, I’d say through tears, and I’d go right back to class.”  Her husband was the first person she called from the parking lot of the exam site to share her good news -- and when she walked in the door to her home, she was greeted by the graduation march music he had turned on in celebration of her accomplishment. 

“Also, my grandkids and kids had faith in me and that kept pushing me forward. I'm so thankful for my family, friends and teachers,” added Angie, who took GED classes at New River Community College as well as worked one-on-one with Literacy NRV tutors.

Angie said she worked hard to keep a positive attitude. “Math was my kryptonite, she said. “But I did not let myself react negatively.” 

Angie is on a roll -- in addition to her GED, she also earned 3 professional certificates from New River Community College: Northstar Digital Literacy, VA Caregiving, and Guest Services Professional. 

What’s next for Angie? For now, she’s focused on one thing—walking across the stage at Literacy NRV’s graduation ceremony this evening.

“I am just so excited that I get to wear that cap and gown,” she said after learning she finally passed the math test and earned the high school equivalency. “I wanted that experience that everyone else got.”

“I wanted to do this,” she said with a big smile.  “And I did it!  You’re never too old to learn.  Never give up!”