Frederick Nathaniel Patterson (Fred; Grandpa), 23, came to the Brunswick Job Corps Center unsure of his academic abilities. “I’d been working on getting my GED for 5 years, 6 months, and 10 days.” His uncertainty has been transformed into a positive “can do” attitude. There were some nervous moments prior to taking his GED test. He was encouraged by Deputy Director, Brenda J. Mahan, to “claim that GED and do the best that you can.” That is exactly what Fred did and he became a GED graduate on December 10, 2010.

When asked what this accomplishment means to him, he said, “It means everything to me. It felt like I found a piece of the puzzle that was missing. It felt very heartwarming. I almost cried because I reached a goal I had been wanting for such a long time.”

He said, his family was overjoyed, especially his mother. “She is my backbone. She was brought to tears when I told her. She always had faith in me.”

Fred is very appreciative for the opportunity Job Corps has given him. “I would like to thank everyone at the Brunswick Job Corps Center who has been a positive influence on me. Ms. Benasuly and Ms. Floyd, they are wonderful teachers.” He also said, “My HOT instructors are the best. I love both of them, Ms. Hatchett and Ms. Carter.”

Mel Gaines, Center Director, smiled when asked about this young man. “I find him to be a very humble student and he is very appreciative of being in Job Corps. He displays excellent employability skills.”

Fred is excited about returning home to Ft. Mead, Florida for the winter break. His sister is serving in the U.S. Army and will be returning from Iraq for the holidays. He has not seen her in nine months. It is certain that she and Fred’s entire family will join the Brunswick Job Corps Center family in saying, “Congratulations, Fred! We believe in you and your ability to reach all of your goals.”

Fred is planning to enter the Job Corps advanced training program after completing his CNA certification.