Student Spotlight: Bonnie

Bonnie Gallimore (center) celebrates with LNRV GED Instructor Anne Larsen (left) and LNRV ABE Coordinator Linda Jilk (right)

Big congratulations go out to Bonnie Gallimore, our newest GED graduate!  We are so happy for Bonnie, age 26, who has been working toward this goal on and off since 2020.

“I was so emotional when I found out. I texted everyone, including my teachers. I am proud of myself for sure!” said Bonnie. “But I wanted to call my dad to tell him -- and he is no longer with me.”

It was the death of her father, James Gallimore, in February that inspired her to buckle down and seek study help from Literacy NRV.  She had been taking GED classes at area community colleges and passed the Language Arts test, but lacked consistency and motivation at that time to complete the remaining 3 exams.  

“My dad was like my rock and he died without me having my GED.  I didn’t want my mom to die without getting my GED, and so I decided now was the time to do it.”  

Bonnie attended the Literacy NRV GED study group beginning in March and quickly progressed through the study curriculum, passing both the Social Studies and Science tests in April. 

But the Math test presented the biggest challenge.  “I told Ms. Anne (LNRV tutor) that I hated math,” she said. 

There were days that Bonnie would come to class and then leave, unable to focus. There were days when she got frustrated and wanted to give up.  There were days when she could not come to class at all as she dealt with health, family and emotional challenges. 

But despite the many obstacles in her path, she never forgot about her GED goal. This summer, Bonnie worked one-on-one with the Literacy NRV math tutors as well as attended a math boot camp at New River Community College.  

In July, she took the Math test for the first time and missed passing by 3 points.  But she did not let that stop her. She studied hard the next day, working one-on-one with her LNRV tutor.   When she took the Math test again, just 1 day later, she passed!

“I had to overcome the obstacle of myself,” said Bonnie. “There was a lot of me doubting myself and not thinking that I could do it.  I had to keep coming back.  I told myself not to give up.”

Bonnie added that the one-on-one instruction provided by Literacy NRV really helped her achieve her goal. 

“I could not have done it without Literacy NRV for sure.  You guys are awesome.  Thank you guys for still loving me even at my worst -- and it’s only up from here!” 

We at Literacy NRV are so inspired by Bonnie’s hard work and commitment to overcoming obstacles to achieve her goal and can’t wait to hear what goals she accomplishes next!  

Bonnie has been awarded a $1000 tuition grant from New River Community College and plans to enroll in January 2027 to prepare for a career working for a funeral home. 

Congratulations Bonnie!  We loved working with you and believe you can accomplish anything you set your mind to do!