UACCB Offers Adult Education Opportunity
By Karla Rush, UACCB Freelance Writer
BATESVILLE – Ask Donna Fulcher about her childhood and she will describe herself as a small-town girl born and raised in Ava, Missouri. "I grew up in a very poor family where my mother raised seven children by herself. She was sick most of our childhood and was not able to make us go to school. Because I didn't understand the importance of having an education, I made the decision to drop out in the 9th grade."
After her children finished high school in 2009, Fulcher enrolled in the University of Arkansas Community College in Batesville's Adult Education Program at the age of 43. She knew it was necessary to acquire her GED diploma in order to be accepted into college. Fulcher wanted to earn a degree to ensure better financial stability for her family. She recalls "I was worried about doing well, mainly in math. The most incredible thing was that I scored high enough on my GED exam to receive a scholarship."
Once enrolled at UACCB, Fulcher continued to work full-time as many college students do. She feared not being able to complete college algebra and recalls "If I had only known ahead of time about the Student Success Center, I would not have wasted so much time stressing over it. I was embarrassed to admit that I had to take Pre, Basic, Intermediate, and finally College Algebra. Since I had never worked an algebra problem in my life, I had serious doubts about my capabilities, but was determined to succeed. I reminded myself over and over again that I could do it and wrote the scripture 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' on my Algebra folder."
The Student Success Center made a positive difference for Donna Fulcher, where Director Dennis Broadwater and the staff offered tutoring along with the encouragement she needed. Fulcher spent hours with the tutors to get through each semester of Algebra. "The Student Success Center staff's dedication to making sure students succeed is invaluable," she said.
Instructor Mark Sparks was Fulcher's algebra teacher. She credits his teaching style toward a new understanding of how algebra is more than just numbers. She says this class helped her develop more sophisticated critical thinking skills to tackle problems in new ways.
Continuing to complete an associate's degree at UACCB and transfer to a four-year college for a degree in Human Resources, Fulcher is also in the process of writing a book about her life and how to overcome trials and obstacles. She sums up her experience at UACCB so far by stating "my life is a testimony to anyone who desires to further their education. There are avenues and options to fit anyone’s schedule and the people at UACCB will be there to lead and help in any area they can."
Fulcher has been married for 26 years with three children: Brittany 25, Mikey 20, Hannah 18, and a grandson named Eli. Both her husband and daughter Hannah started college at UACCB this fall. Donna is certain about how they will be treated on campus. She said "I know that they too will have the resources and caring people to help them succeed on their journey also. UACCB is a godsend."
For more information about the Adult Education Center or other programs available at UACCB, call 870-612-2000.
