For nearly a year, single mom of four Nashonda High studied for her GED (high school equivalency) exams using a computer she borrowed from the Washington Memorial Library in Macon, Georgia. Starting in February 2024, every week she checked out a laptop, catching the attention of the workers at the library’s technology desk. Then in December, High passed all the sections of the GED, an achievement she describes as both emotional and fulfilling.
High credits her children for motivating her to stay the course, recalling how they always encouraged her to keep studying. Earlier this month, the Middle Georgia Regional Library took to social media to congratulate High for her achievement. In response, High expressed her gratitude, thanking the library staff and the hundreds of people who left positive comments.
Head of Reference Megan Vaughn and other staff were thrilled to see their technology loan program make a difference. The program was started after the pandemic to provide resources to the community and was made possible by a Georgia Public Library Service grant. High now hopes to use her education to help others as a certified nursing assistant and she encourages anyone facing challenges to have faith and to keep pushing forward.