For Jamal Brooks Success Started Inward The Middle

For Jamal Brooks Success Started inwards the Middle

How create you lot acquire out from leaving abode at xvi without a high schoolhouse diploma to a destination of getting a PhD from Howard University? Ask Jamal Brooks. He tin tell you. Start inwards the Middle. Middle College, that is.

When Jamal left his Tappahannock abode as well as headed for Richmond all he had was his clothe as well as a wishing for a amend life. He needed as well as wanted a high schoolhouse diploma, exactly couldn’t pay for the classes. Then he heard close Reynolds. Then he heard “free program,” as well as his life was forever changed. 

“I was as well as thus nervous when I came to Reynolds the start time, exactly Ms. Epps [Middle College Specialist Jackie Epps] welcomed me correct away. She made me experience correct at home. She was similar a 2nd mom. Along the agency I got assist amongst math. Transportation was ever an issue, as well as I got assist amongst that. They told me I could create this. It was tremendous back upwards as well as for in i lawsuit inwards my life I actually felt similar I could acquire my GED.”

Jamal never missed a twenty-four lx minutes menstruum as well as past times 2011 he had his GED as well as moved from Reynolds Middle College to Reynolds College classes. He made the Dean’s listing every semester. When he left Reynolds for Virginia Commonwealth University he left amongst as well as Associates Degree inwards Social Science as well as certifications inwards General Education as well as ASL. “Everything I learned from Reynolds helped me succeed,” Jamal confided. “Especially fourth dimension management. That was fundamental for me. Being able to create create my report fourth dimension as well as to live disciplined was everything. I was empowered amongst that knowledge.”

His journeying wasn’t without its frustrations. He dropped out for a semester questioning whether all the operate would pay off. Fortunately, a counselor intervened as well as fix him dorsum on his route to education. Transferring to VCU was overwhelming. At Reynolds his classes had fifteen to 20 students, as well as they all became friends. When Jamal walked inwards to his start score at VCU he was confronted amongst 300 strangers. Again, an advisor intervened. “He told me to acquire to score early on as well as sit down on the front end row as well as thus I couldn’t encounter everyone else,” Jamal said, “I did that the whole fourth dimension I was at that topographic point as well as I survived.” By the 2nd semester he had constitute his comfort zone. 

Reynolds Middle College Director Mary Jo Washko had this to tell close Jamal: “Jamal is what nosotros would similar every pupil to be. He is a slap-up ambassador. I don’t know how many students he has recruited, exactly it is a lot. He has taken an incredibly active purpose inwards helping others improve their lives. He is as well as thus exceptional because he came inwards to the programme as well as took wages of every chance that was given to him. He was opened upwards to mentoring, to volunteering, as well as to working hard. And, he kept coming back. He kept bringing others inwards as well as helping them succeed too. He is real determined to brand a divergence inwards the lives of others.” 

Jamal graduated magna cum laude from VCU inwards May 2018 amongst a Bachelor’s Degree inwards Social Work. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 tremendous accomplishment as well as a perfect career pick for i as well as thus focused on, as well as dedicated to, helping others overcome their circumstances as well as succeed. What’s side past times side for Jamal? “As far every bit the steps I guide maintain inwards the side past times side month, I’m non sure, I am looking at my options. Ultimately, my destination is to acquire out to Howard University as well as someday acquire my PhD.” Keep inwards mind, Jamal is the start manful mortal inwards his identify unit of measurement to earn a college degree.

Jamal also wants to live a purpose model to other students, his nieces as well as nephews, as well as generations to come. He was a mentor patch at VCU as well as continues to offering help, “If you lot tin back upwards someone, it goes a long way. You tin acquire the skillful vocalization inwards their head.” 

When asked what advice he would laissez passer on others, Jamal speedily responds: “You tin create it too.”

Maybe all you lot demand to create is start inwards the Middle, similar Jamal.

What is Reynolds Middle College?
Some immature adults, for whatever reason, don’t complete high school. Middle College helps eighteen to 24 twelvemonth olds earn their GED patch developing skills to motility their lives frontward to a career. And, the programme is free. 
Originally Middle College was focused on helping students acquire a GED as well as motility on to college. Today, the program’s horizons guide maintain broadened. It is yet a brace from “non-credit” to “credit” education, exactly the transition excogitation for students is to a greater extent than comprehensive. Remedial courses are yet included, exactly they are offered along amongst workforce readiness courses. Not alone create students acquire assist amongst reading as well as math, their learning is integrated as well as curriculum is contoured along specific tracks. For example, if a pupil is interested inwards a career inwards healthcare, courses volition live geared toward the information he or she would demand to succeed inwards that field. Middle College has partnered amongst other programs such every bit PluggedinVA, an adult educational activity resources center, CCWA, the Community College Workforce Alliance, as well as Goodwill Industries. These major tracks are offered: CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), Warehouse Distribution as well as Logistics, Customer Service, as well as Construction.

For to a greater extent than information close Reynolds Middle College, contact Mary Jo Washko at 804-523-5345 or middlecollege@reynolds.edu. 

Middle College remains tuition-free cheers to major gift back upwards from Brookfield Foundation, Capital One, Jackson Foundation, as well as Virginia Credit Union.