In 1994 Tonya had a form of French Polio which put her into a 4 month coma. When Tonya came out of the coma she could not remember much. Tonya states, “I had to relearn everything. I had to even learn how to brush my hair, and dress myself. I was no longer able to walk and was put in a wheelchair. I had to learn how to motivate using a wheelchair.”
During the 1997-1998 school year, Vocational Rehabilitation recommended that Tonya attend the Williston Adult Learning Center as she needed to start relearning all her academic skills. “I attended the Williston Adult Learning Center from 1997 through the spring of 2007. Each year my academic skills progressed".
"In the spring of 2007, Laurel, one of my instructors, shoved me out the door, pushed me up the hill to enroll in classes at Williston State College. She told me I was ready and it was time to face the world!” “I started classes at Williston State College in the fall of 2007 and am working towards majoring in elementary education. I finished fall classes as a 4.0 honor student.”
"Not only did I attend classes at the Williston Adult Learning Center, I also volunteered there as an administrative assistant. I helped with word processing, develop a website, laminated material, did book binding, answered phones, and whatever I could do to help. This also gave me some work experience".
"In 2005 I started working with the Williston After School program and continue working there. I enjoy my job and working with the children".
"Attending the Williston Adult Learning Center was what gave me my life back".
"I am so fortunate that there was an Adult Learning Center for me to attend".
Advice to Others:
When you set your mind to acheiving a goal, you almost always do reach it. It takes hard work and a lot of determination to accomplish your goals. |
