FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IT’S A ‘FAMILY AFFAIR’ FOR THE BROADNAX FAMILY  

Georgia and Michael Broadnax	Terence Broadnax

DANVILLE, VA, June 26, 2007 - Georgia Broadnax of Danville has a close knit family. They live together, pray together, play together, and now, go to college together! At age 53, Georgia made the decision to attend Danville Community College, joining her three children - Jacki, Michael and Terence.

Georgia is enrolled in the Administrative Support Technology - General Office Specialization program and plans to receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree next year. Her 24-year-old daughter, Jacki, and 20-year-old son, Michael, enrolled in the Graphic Imaging Technology program and received their diplomas at DCC’s 2007 Commencement. Another son, 18-year-old Terrence, is enrolled in the Automotive Analysis and Repair program.

Georgia Broadnax

 “School is the best thing for people!” Georgia says. “People should strive for the best. Sometimes, people have to get out of their comfort zones. Life will not just hand you the best; you have to get out and work for it.”

The road to post-secondary success has not been easy, Georgia says. For the past 17 years, she has worked at the Innkeeper. But, she realized she wanted more. Continuing to think of her children, she says she decided to pursue a college degree to strengthen the family’s foundation.

 “I always wanted to go back to school, but I had to raise my kids first. It has been hard. At one time I had to work two jobs,” Georgia says. “But I had to go back to school so I could continue to push my children into successful futures. I see so many homeless people on the street. I try to encourage them to get an education so they will have a solid foundation.”

Georgia decided to practice what she had been preaching and enrolled in DCC.  She says she was nervous at first about enrolling in college courses, especially considering her age. She had doubts about keeping up with the professors and the younger college students.

“I am praying that I make it. My memory is not what it used to be,” laughs Georgia.  “I was so nervous and scared when I first began school. I felt I was out of place, but the teachers and the students have been very kind to me.”

Georgia’s academic success is evident as she was named to the Vice President’s Honors List.

Jacki Broadnax

Georgia also credits her daughter, Jacki, and her success in college as motivation for enrolling at DCC.  

“I just don’t know how she (Jacki) makes it,” Georgia says with obvious admiration. “She is always on the go. She attended college full time, while working full time at Telvista as a customer service representative. I am proud of her; I am proud of all of my children!”

Ironically, Jacki only accepts some of the credit for her mother’s college career.  She admits that Georgia has a mind of her own.

“She (Georgia) decided to go to school for herself, but I did encourage her to attend DCC. Not only is DCC close to home, but the credits will transfer to a four-year college,” says Jacki who notes her mother has definitely helped her to prepare for a solid future. 

 “I wanted something interesting, and the (graphic) arts (program) caught my attention,” Jacki explains. “So far, I have enjoyed the many promotional projects that we created and the poetry in my creative writing class.”

Sheila Wright, Professor of Graphic Imaging Technology, taught both Jacki and Michael. She says Jacki is suited for a career in the graphic imaging field.

“Besides being very creative, Jacki has a wonderful attitude and is always enthusiastic,” Wright adds. “She (Jacki) was eager to help anyone and soon she became a leader in class as well as a mentor to fellow classmates.”

Michael Broadnax

Younger brother Michael definitely takes his cue from Jacki and Georgia. He says his mother always reminds her children to make and reach for their goals. He also says Jacki’s impressive art work prompted his interest in the Graphic Imaging Technology program.

“My whole family encourages me,” says Michael. “My mom constantly tells me how proud she is of me. This makes me proud of myself. Then, Jacki and I often competed with each other in our airbrushing class. That encourages me to do my best. But, I usually win!”

“Michael’s talents excel in graphic imaging,” says Professor Wright. “He is a whiz in (Adobe) Photoshop classes, and he often exceeded the requirements for his projects with designs that amazed us all.”

Michael also has been named to the President’s Honors List, and he plans to graduate this summer with a Diploma is Graphic Imaging Technology. In addition, he is a member of the 2007 Knights Basketball Club Sports Team.

Terence Broadnax

Terence, who is in his third semester at DCC, also works part time with youth in the First Tee of Danville (golf program).

 “My mother kept telling me not to take any time off (after high school graduation) because I might not have a chance to go back to school. So, I decided to follow my mother’s advice and prepare for my future,” says Terence.

Terence notes that his mother has shown him a new type of independence.

“In 10 years, if I am not satisfied with my job, I am not going to be afraid to go back to school,” adds Terence. “I can follow in her example and go to school later in life. I have a great respect for my mother.”