Shawna Douse has been selected as Ogeechee Technical College’s (OTC) 2024-2025 Dinah Culbreath Wayne Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) delegate.
The 2025 Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Leadership Institute, a three-day event held in Atlanta on March 3-5, recognizes and honors students who have demonstrated superior achievement in adult education classes and programs, and provides them with sessions to develop leadership skills.
Douse, a 31-year-old single mom of three, graduated from the Adult Education Program in June 2024 and has had to overcome major challenges to achieve her dreams.
“One of the most critical moments in my life was the decision to continue my education,” said Douse. “Despite the odds stacked against me, I knew that education was the key to creating a better future for myself and my children.”
Growing up in a challenging family environment, Douse experienced several setbacks in her life, like becoming a parent at an early age, being placed into the foster care system, and being incarcerated. While incarcerated, Douse completed three parts of her GED testing. Upon her release, she enrolled in Adult Education classes at OTC to help her pass the final hurdle, her math exam.
“I had already failed the math exam twice, so I chose to attend a Math Boot Camp where dedicated teachers helped me identify and overcome my weakness. Finally on my third attempt, I passed,” said Douse.
“Shawna hopes her story can serve as a challenge to others,” said Dean for Adult Education, Nicole Peeples. “Her journey has taught her an invaluable lesson in perseverance, and she is taking that lesson to encourage others on their journey toward pursuing their dreams.”
