Gary Savetilik obtained his GED at the age of 52 with a combination of good teachers and hard work. - Photo Provided / for Alaska Newspapers

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educators Angela eisel and August “Jake” Lambers were recognized for their contribution to the Alaska technical Center's Adult Basic education and GeD program. - Photo Provided / for Alaska Newspapers

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Student gets GED at age 52

December 9th 1:26 pm | Lorna Ellis Print this article   Email this article   Create a Shortlink for this article

"I can't believe I did it!" said an enthusiastic Gary Savetilik on passing his final test to obtain his GED. "It feels great, wow, it's awesome!"

Savetilik had been trying to get his GED for quite a while. Originally from Unalakleet, he had tried GED programs in Anchorage and Palmer with little success.

"Then, I came here. These people are real teachers. I knew this was the teacher I need- ed," he said.

Educators Angela Eisel and August "Jake" Lambers were recognized in October by the State of Alaska with the Rising Star award. The pair was also recognized by the Northwest Arctic Borough School District with the Outstanding Achievement award in November. The Alaska Technical Center is home to the regional Adult Basic Education and GED program serving stu- dents here in the NANA region.

Eisel talked of Savetilik's positive attitude and commitment to reaching his goal of get- ting his GED. "He's the only student I have that does homework in the evenings and on weekends."

"I go to my classes every day from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 to 3:30 p.m. I go home and do my homework, and then I go fishing. I put off hunting this year to get my GED," said a proud Savetilik. "I read stories to my wife in the evenings and we would work on essays together. I got lots of support from my wife."

Eisel said that Savetilik was very encouraging to the other students. When asked what advice he would give to others seeking their GED, he replied, "I see other students who don't show up regularly or just quit coming to class. I would tell them to stick it out - I did!"

Savetilik said he came to his decision about being committed to getting his GED when he and his wife quit drinking.

"I wrote down my goals with my number one goal being to get my GED. My next goal istogetmyCDLandlearnhowtousea computer." I asked where he thought he would be right now if he hadn't decided to get his GED. His response was, "probably in a bottle somewhere."

"I just had to keep telling myself 'I know I can do it, just don't give up.' Now my future is going to be bright! Now I can be a good role model for my daughter. She is happy and proud of me. In fact, she is getting better grades in school now. I feel good that now I can help her with her school work."

Lambers said that Savetilik had put in around 200 hours of class time and about the same amount in homework time over the last couple of months. His dedication and attitude also earned him the Student of the Month Award for October. According to Eisel, "he exemplifies what a little commitment and hard work can accomplish." "Often, students arrive at the GED pro- gram expecting the process to be short and easy. Many get discouraged when confronted with the amount of time required," said Eisel. "Gary is a great example of what a typical student can expect when trying to achieve their GED. It is always exciting to see students successfully achieve their

goals."

 

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