GRANTS - Three students who have earned their GED certificates at New Mexico State University - Grants in recent years are now studying and excelling in the college program.

Stefanie Grandjean is now in the nursing program following her GED graduation in 2007 and also teaches math in the GED program. “I'm pursuing a graduate degree in nursing, which will take me three more years,” she said.

Before beginning her duties as a math teacher Grandjean worked in the GED office and served as a tutor. She continues to tutor every Friday when she's in the office.

“Although the classwork was relatively easy for me when I was a student in the GED program, I found that I had to apply myself and the staff here was absolutely wonderful to me,” she recalled.

One event that Grandjean really appreciated was a staff organized trip to the college admissions office to see what opportunities there were for GED graduates.

In addition to her studies, Grandjean was a member of student government for two years.

She is what is referred to as a non-traditional student, being 27 years old and the mother of a seven-year-old daughter. Many GED students fall into the non-traditional category because of their life circumstances.

Arnold Davis of Acoma Pueblo also graduated from the GED program in the 2007 class of 70 students.

He now works in the GED office as part of a work-study program while he pursues a degree in automotive mechanics in the college and serves as president of the Associated Student government.

“Being president of ASNMSU is a lot of work, but people really appreciate our events. We've held barbeques for the students and we recently sponsored a breast cancer awareness luncheon,” he explained.

As for the GED program, Arnold said that his brother found the program and encouraged him to enroll. “Now one of my aunts, who is in her 30s, and a younger cousin are in the program and I'm helping them along. I notice that older students gain new confidence by working for their GED certificate and learning how to access the computers,” he noted.

Arnold eventually wants to pursue a B.A. in social work at the Las Cruces campus. He pointed out that there were few social workers on the reservation, so he believes that he can fill a need of the tribe.

     “When some of us visited that campus, we were told that we were more mature than the typical freshman student. I want to experience living on campus,” he said. “The GED program definitely prepared me well to take on college level courses.”

Sandra Daily, who graduated the GED program in 2006 and recently earned an A.A. degree in general studies, said, “I really loved the program and feel that it really prepared me for college level courses. “I want to go on to the Las Cruces campus to get a degree in fine arts.

“The GED program took me from the third grade level to college level in three months,” she concluded.