THUNDER BAY -- Glenda Foster never thought she'd be back in the classroom.
At the same job for 30 years, Foster thought at nearly 50 she'd retire there one day.
But then the company closed and Foster found herself out of work without a high school diploma. Not content with minimum wage, she decided head back to school.
She was recognized by Confederation College Thursday with a Self Management award for having the highest mark in the class, an Academic and Career Entrance certificate aimed at getting people their Grade 12 equivalency and possibly on their way to post-secondary education.
"It's been fantastic. I cannot recommended this program enough," she said. "Anybody that is struggling with high school or has been out of high school, they need to come here."
She's now looking to complete a human resources program and get back into the workforce with an interest in health and safety.
Michael Watson landed in the college's Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering Technology program after getting his ACE certificate after a year. For only $30 Watson said he was amazed at what he learned and was able to accomplish in that time. It was also a great way to get him ready for post-secondary.
"You're more prepared and you kind of get used to it," he said.
The two are from more than 200 students who take the ACE program.
The college held a ceremony for the students at the Victoria Inn Thursday as a way for them to celebrate.
President Jim Madder said the ceremony is for the students but their families as well, who will also benefit from the certificate. Madder said he is in awe of the students as many of them juggle family and other work commitments on top of their schooling.
"For them to be successful in this way is just remarkable," he said.
"They actually do better than many of our other students because they've learned how to learn."
Many people heading back to the classroom after a job loss or other roadblocks in life feel nervous. But it's remarkable to see the students regain their confidence after getting back in there, Madder said.
