OKDHS TANF client Shawna Pearson is getting a second chance to create a better future for herself and her family and she's not taking that opportunity lightly. Pearson received the Adult Learner Recognition Award during the 24th Annual State Literacy Conference.

Growing up, Pearson's mother was seriously ill and died when Pearson was young. With the weight of many challenges on her back, Pearson quit school after completing the eighth grade and tried to work to help support her family. But without an education, she found her employment opportunities were severely limited.

A mother of three, Pearson worked hard trying to make ends meet but she found it almost impossible with the low paying jobs that were available to her. She applied for and received public assistance. In turn, Pearson received a second chance to get her diploma.

In February 2009, she enrolled in General Equivalency Degree classes at Resonance, Union Public School's newest Temporary Assistance to Needy Families site.

By May 2009, Pearson completed the program and gave a student address to her fellow graduates.

"The GED program has impacted my life majorly. I have learned to walk away from issues when needed. I now can stay focused and on track. I learned to set goals -- to write them down and tuck them away and look at them from time to time," she told her fellow graduates. "I do more with my children now. I have learned the impact I will make on my children and spending time with them is important. Getting and education will ensure a better future for me and for my children.

"I will not settle for less in life than what I am capable of accomplishing. I will expect the same from my children and one day my grandchildren.

"I plan to graduate from Tulsa Community College in about two years and attend Oklahoma State University for my bachelor's degree. My goal is to become a social worker for the State of Oklahoma. I realize I can make a difference in my community by becoming a social worker."

Carolyn Monholland is Pearson's GED teacher at the TANF program and nominated Pearson for the Adult Learner Recognition Award.

"Shawna Pearson has learned the importance of an education and the GED program has provided the steps necessary for her to become a lifelong learner," Monholland wrote in her nomination form. "Setting goals, staying focused, becoming part of the commuunity and planning for her future and the future of her family is now a priority. Shawna is an example of what success should look like when a person has returned to school."

"Many people look at themselves as small beings who in the scheme of things will never do much to change the world, but Shawna’s decision to want more, make a plan to achieve her goals and focus her energy on success might very well change the future of her children, family and friends because success breeds success," said Martha Lowe, OKDHS social services specialist III and coordinator of the Tulsa County TANF orientation. "Keep reaching for your dreams, Shawna!"