Gladys Benjamin of Rochester is proof that it's never too late to learn. The 52-year-old mother of five and grandmother of 12 has been taking General Education Diploma (GED) classes through Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES since September 1995. For her dedication and persistence in working toward obtaining her GED, the New York Association for Continuing/Community Education, Inc. (NYACCE) has selected her as an outstanding adult student award recipient for 2001.

GED Teacher Kay Schneider, who nominated Benjamin, and Adult Literacy Program Manager Grace Carson will accompany her to the award ceremony at the Century House Inn and Conference Center in Albany on Monday, February 12. Recipients will also be honored at a legislative breakfast the next morning.

When Benjamin started her GED program at BOCES 2, she was working full time. Her days began at 5 a.m. Benjamin has since retired, but continues to take classes. She has persisted in the face of daunting challenges, including having to take the GED test several times. Each time she scored a little better. "It has been one of the hardest things for me to not give up on my GED," Benjamin said. "Sometimes I have been so frustrated that at times I have just sat down and cried." She feels privileged to have the opportunity to continue her education. "A positive change makes positive people and positive people make positive communities," she says.

It is that positive attitude that keeps her going. Times were rough for Benjamin, beginning with her elementary school days in Arkansas. Her attendance was not good as she split her time between school and working in the fields. With education not reinforced at home, she often needed to find the motivation within herself to go to school. Feeling like she was "slow" in school made it difficult for her to stay focused and concentrate. She moved to Rochester and attended Madison High School from seventh until tenth grade. She dropped out when she felt like she couldn't succeed.

It wasn't until two years ago that Benjamin found the reason for some of her problems in school - she was diagnosed as having a learning disability. Knowing this, she has received assistance to help her in reading comprehension and other academic areas.

Benjamin is actively involved in her church. She also attends two other night classes to enhance her education and delivers food and encouragement to those who need it through the Meals on Wheels Program. Her future goals include helping others through social work or missionary work.

"Gladys is a very proud, independent person who struggles every day and works very hard to accomplish her goals," said Schneider. "She is a conscientious worker and has a kind and caring personality. She has enhanced my life with her determination and her commitment to never giving up her goal to attain her GED diploma."