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Fall 2005

Kimberly Dover
Toby Hopper Endowed Scholarship for Single Mothers

My name is Kimberly Dover and I am currently a junior majoring in Early Childhood Education and I will be graduating in May 2006. I am 33 years old, recently divorced, and I attend Kennesaw State full time. I also work, volunteer at my daughter’s school, and take care of my two beautiful girls full time. I was working as a Special Education paraprofessional in a Cobb County school for four years when the guidance counselor at the elementary school talked me into going back and finishing my degree. It took some prodding, but I finally realized that a college education would get me further in life and I would earn the respect of my peers, and most importantly, my children. It has been a real struggle getting back into the college mode after so many years off, but I have the support of my family and friends to keep me going.

I started Kennesaw State University as a nursing major in the fall of 1996. I soon realized after a couple of semesters that juggling two toddlers, waiting tables at night, and going to school was overwhelming and I only finished out the year, never intending to go back. Since returning to college, I have become more motivated than ever to finally finish my undergraduate degree. My schedule is hectic and it really takes some creative maneuvering to fit everything in, but I have gained an incredible sense of accomplishment and I am now more motivated than ever. I have been able to maintain a 3.5 GPA while taking 17 credit hours in the spring and 14 credit hours in the summer. Many people have told me that I am crazy for attempting to take on so much, but that only makes me more determined. I intend to apply to the Masters in Education program in Fall 2006.

My children do have to be very understanding in working with the hectic schedule that we maintain year round, but they have shown me that they know I am only doing this to eventually create a better life for them. We actually study together and quiz each other before our tests. I have instilled in them the fact that they will never get anywhere in life by just settling for what is thrown their way. They know that you have to make your own way and dream big, no matter how impossible it may seem. The struggles that you face along the way only make you stronger. My daughters share my motivation and they strive to excel in everything they do. My older daughter attends Westminster and consistently stays on the honor roll while doing competitive gymnastics and playing first base for one of the top girls fast pitch softball teams in the country. My younger daughter will be attending Lovett in the fall, keeps straight A’s, is a member of a competitive danceline, and has performed at several large venues.

To any single mothers out there reading this who are just about ready to throw in the towel on your college education, just remember that IT CAN BE DONE! You and your children will reap the benefits of your education for many years to come, you will have a new respect for yourself, and your children will see a strong, intelligent, determined woman who will not give up.

Husband & Wife Return to College Together
Clyde and Phar`is Darlene Allen-Adams

1. Give brief background (family, 1st generation, education, work, hobbies, etc)

Phar`is Darlene Allen-Adams: I am a native of Miami, Florida and the daughter of Josephine R. Allen and the late Thomas Allen Sr. I am the 3rd child of 4 siblings, the mother of four sons, Clyde (28), Kevin (25), Tyrone (23) and Kali (21). I am an ordained Evangelist, and the wife of Pastor Clyde Adams, who is the pastor of Berry Grove Baptist Church, located in Cedartown, Georgia. I am presently a senior at Kennesaw State University, majoring In Secondary English Education. Presently, I have an associate’s degree in General Studies, from Central Texas College, which I attained during my military tenure. I am a substitute teacher at John McEachern High School, Powder Springs, GA. My hobbies are helping other to overcome challenges and achieve their life long aspiration. I love reading, visiting the elderly in nursing homes as well as reading to them.

Clyde Adams: I am a native of Meridian, Mississippi, I am the fourth of five children, and my parents are Ms. Flora Adams and the late Pastor David E. Adams. I am married to Phar`is Darlene Allen—Adams, and we have of four sons, Clyde (28), Kevin (25), Tyrone (23) and Kali (21). I am the pastor of Berry Grove Baptist Church, located in Cedartown, Georgia. I am presently a senior at Kennesaw State University, majoring In English. Presently, I have an associate’s degree in General Studies, from Central Texas College. I am a substitute teacher at John McEachern High School, Powder Springs, GA. I retired from the United States Army with 22 years of active duty service. My hobbies are reading my Bible, and spending family time with my family.

2. What motivated you to return as an adult learner and KSU?

Phar`is Darlene Allen-Adams: Upon graduating from high school in 1978, my life-long passion was to teach Secondary English Education. However, I did not want to be a financial burden on my parents, therefore, I enlisted in the military to pursue a career that afforded me the opportunity to develop into a self-sufficient individual. My intent was to serve four years; however I ending up serving 21 years in the capacity of a Nuclear Biological Chemical Explosive Ordinance Technician, Drill Sergeant, Operations, Sergeant, and Training and Development Educational Facilitator. In 1999, I retired from the military and decided to fulfill my passion to teach school. This resulted in my returning back to school. Initially, I was somewhat reluctant because of the length of time between my graduating from high school and my pursuing a college degree. I was afraid of not being able to keep up academically. However, once I retired, I was offered several well compensating job opportunities, but I wanted to do something I enjoyed. At the time my father was still living and he inspired me to go back to school. He said to me, “God did not give me the spirit of fear, and that I could do all things through Christ, which strengthened me.” Reflecting on Dad’s words was the ammunition that sparked my motivation, thus resulting in my enrolling in Kennesaw State University, summer 2001.

Clyde Adams: Upon graduating from high school in 1977, I did not want to go to college because I did not think my family was financially prepared to send me to school. So, I entered the military to travel. I always knew that one day I return to school; however, I wanted to make sure that I was disciplined to fulfill the requirements. Upon retiring from the military and embarking on a degree in theology, I found out I needed at least a bachelors before I could attend Vanderbilt School of Theology. Therefore, I am pursuing a degree in English, upon which when I am completed; I will embark on a Masters at Vanderbilt and major in Theology.

3. As an Adult learner, what could other students learn from you?

Phar`is Darlene Allen-Adams: As an adult learner, it is my belief that I can impact other students by encouraging them as well as showing my system for developing good study habits that enhance learning as well as attaining academic success. I possess the skills to show students how to become a team player who possess a Be, Know, Do, Win attitude, which enhances success. Overcoming academic challenges through maximizing KSU out of classroom resources such as life—long learning center, writing lab, library, Able and other school resources. Strategies for communicating to teachers the student’s lack of understanding, writing development, and oral communication.

Clyde Adams: As an adult learner, it is my belief that I can impact other students by encouraging them to develop study skills that will enable them to be disciplined. Complete all assignments on time. Prepare for exams in advance, collaborate with other students, communicate with professors. Seek help from professors and other resources on campus.

4.What challenges did you have to overcome as an adult learner?

Phar`is Darlene Allen-Adams: One of my biggest challenges in returning to school was developing a thesis, supporting that thesis, and composing a well written essay that articulate what I am saying, as well as flow with rhythm, style, and minimum grammar and spelling errors. Needless to say, after using the resources on campus, combined with one of my professors, I possess excellent writing skills.

Increasing the amount of time reading, I found myself visually impaired. However, through the assistance of ABLE, I am able to stay on task and complete all assignments on time.

Successfully completing College Algebra and Elementary Statistics was another challenge. However, through the use of the Life—Long Learning Center Tutors, AASA Tutors, and seeking additional help outside of my class from my professor, I successfully completed these courses with excellent grades.

In, Spring 04, my father became very ill. I had to take an incomplete in my TOSS class the last week of school because I had to go home and see about my father. My professor, Dr. Cope was understanding and allowed me the summer to complete my unit plan and e—portfolio. I successfully completed this course.

However, in Fall 05 my father died, which was very stressful for me. I had to work around the clock when I returned from his funeral just to catch up and keep my head above the water. I managed to stay on task in spite of my situation I had to maintain my focus.

Clyde Adams: One of my biggest challenges in returning to school was keeping up with the fast pace some of the teachers use. Therefore, I found myself meeting with the instructors during their office hours. Also, whenever I ask questions in class, the teachers assumed that I knew what they were talking about, when actually I didn’t. Sharing school resources with my wife and son.

5. What advice would you offer to a new adult learner about the journey?

Phar`is Darlene Allen-Adams: I encourage all adult learners to ask questions in class and develop a student teacher relationship that enhance learning as well as augment your college experience. I found that many adult learners fear asking questions because we do not grasp the concept as fast as our younger counterparts. However, many of our younger counterparts are just as lost as we are and they benefit from our asking questions. It is imperative that we communicate to our professors when we do not understand. What better way to communicate this than asking questions. Seeking assistance from instructors and student instructor communication is imperative in attaining academic success.

Clyde Adams: I encourage all adult learners to ask questions in class and seek help from professors and tutors.

6. What changes in your personal life have occurred because you enrolled in college?

Phar`is Darlene Allen-Adams: As a result of participating in community service activities at KSU, I have obtained leadership skills that augment my ability in fulfilling leadership positions in the community. Enrolling in college has enabled me to develop patience, focus on fulfilling my future aspirations to teach high school English. I have the opportunity to work on my leadership development through the Presidential Fellows Leadership Capstone program. In addition to this both my oral and written communication skills have improved.

Clyde Adams: A network of resources that enhance my learning experience at KSU.

7. What services and programs, offered by KSU ALPLLC, have been the most helpful to you in working toward your degree?

Phar`is Darlene Allen-Adams and Clyde Adams: The below listed service at KSU have been instrumental in my overcoming learning challenges, ABLE for disabled student, AASA, Lifelong learning center, the writing center, the nursing computer lab, the computer lab located in the Burris building and TRAC.

8. Whatever else you want to share

Phar`is Darlene Allen-Adams: I am in affiliation with the following organizations at KSU and have served in the following leadership roles:

• Presidential Fellow 2004-2005
• President Ambassadors 2005-2006
• Ambassador 2003-Present Executive Vice President Golden Key International Honor Society 2004-2005
• Vice President of Academics Golden Key International Honor Society 2003-2004
• Golden Key International Honor Society Member 2002—Present
• Public Relations Officer KSU Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society 2005-2006
• Member Sigma Tau Delta 2003-Present Member Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society 2003-Present
• Member of AASA 2005 Member ABLE 2002-Present
• Who’s Who Among American Colleges and University Students, 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005

I have received the following awards since attending KSU:

• Dr. Laura Dabundo English Scholarship
• G&G Scholarship

My community service affiliation includes but not limited to:

Labored in the following capacities in churches, New Friendship Baptist Church Powder Springs, GA and 18th Street Church of God in Christ while attending Kennesaw.

• Cobb County Ministers Wives and Ministers Widows
• Youth Sunday School Teacher,
• Women’s Sunday School Teacher,
• Bible Study Educational Facilitator,
• President and Vice President of the Young Women’s Christian Council,
• Secretary of Young Women’s Christian Council
• Usher,
• Secretary of the Church Finance Department
• Director of the Women’s Department
• COGIC and Department of Defense Chaplain Liaison,
• Choir Member
• Simply Praise Team Praise and Worship Leader
• Purity Class Bible Study Leader
• Youth Department Evangelist
• Youth Department Activities Coordinator
• Pastor Support, NFMBC Women’s Day Co-Chairlady 2003-2004,
• CPGOC Purity Bible Training Coordinator,
• Armorer Bearer for Evangelist and Psalmist & Evangelist Dorinda Clark Cole of the Clark Sisters, Evangelist Juanita Sapp, Evangelist Janice Martin, and renowned singer Douglas Miller
• She has also worked in her community in affiliation with Watch God Work Ministries, where they collaborated and completed the Christmas Operation Joy Bells, Get on the Bus Back to School Project, and many other community organizations such as Habitat for Humanity
• Mission One Accord- provide haircuts, health and welfare and school supplies for poverty stricken families

Clyde Adams: I am in affiliation with the following organizations at KSU and have served in the following leadership roles:

• Ambassadors 2005-2006
• ABLE 2002-Present
• Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society 2005-2006

My community service affiliation includes but is not limited to:

• Assistance Pastor New Friendship Baptist Church Powder Springs 2001-2003
• Pastor Berry Grove Baptist Church, Cedartown, GA 2003-Present
• Watch God Work Ministries
• Operation Mission One Accord
• New Friendship Brotherhood
• New Friendship Ministers Alliance
• Sunday School Teacher
• Choir Director