Mary Lou Martin retires from Beacon of HOPE
Mary Lou Martin has been helping people through the Beacon of HOPE to obtain their general equivalency diploma (GED) or to learn the English language (ESOL) for a long time now. Although she credits former Beacon Executive Director and Board Member Betsy Haesemeyer for the beginnings of both programs, Martin has filled her shoes successfully until it was time for her own retirement.
“Betsy retired and I took over the program. My talent is in keeping kids in school and encouraging them,” Martin said.
Even though she is supposed to be retired, Martin said, she expects to continue working with those who’ve contacted the Beacon of HOPE in regards to earning their GED. Her other hope is that everyone who feels they may need to learn English will sign up for classes at the Beacon, although she said jokingly that she’s been kidded that the reason ESOL class sign-up is lower than it should be is that she’s trained everyone on Pine Island.
At heart, she knows that’s just a joke and said she does not know the reason more people have not signed up for ESOL classes, but truly wishes they would.
Martin admits submitting this part of her life to helping others reach their goals has been nothing short of wonderful for her.
“The greatest thrill is when I go to their graduation, and I get to see these kids walk across the stage and get their diploma. All the teachers usually go and we all holler when they go across the stage. I can’t tell you the thrill it is to have a student go through the class and get their diploma,” Martin said of those she’s helped.
Some students go farther with their education, such as a recent graduate who went on to enroll in school as a dental hygienist, Martin said, saying even though they do not all go that far, they have their GED opening options for their own futures that no one can take away.
Many adults have spoken to Martin, saying they would love to obtain their GED but simply do not have the time necessary to dedicate to studying for preparing for the test. “I can still help,” she said, not wanting to give up on anyone who has an interest in furthering their own future.
“It’s just a wonderful feeling to be able to help people,” Martin said.
She recalled a particular day with former Beacon GED student and diploma recipient, who she refers to as her “star'” student, Armando Perez, when they both acknowledged all that they had accomplished for the betterment of his life, while working together, describing the realization as near to a moment between a mother and child as possible.
“I did not want to retire,” Martin admitted, adding that she agreed because it might have cost money in necessary assistance to keep her on.
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