Cecile Scorza, Class of 1968 — The 431 Exchange

I was told about the Adult Education Center by Mary Billington.

The day she was going to apply for school she asked if I wanted to come. I told her yes. Now I had a job, but I wanted a better one. I went with her and as we approached Exchange Place (which looked like a dreary, dirty street, very quiet and scary), I was afraid. I walked very slowly and a distance behind her.

“Now I had a job, but I wanted a better one.”

When we approached the door, Mrs. Geoffray was standing there and she asked if we had come to apply for the program. She welcomed us with a smile. Being told about the program, it was a nine-month one and, after completion, if you have applied yourself you will get a job. Unbelievable, but I took that chance because I was told I could come back to my old job. Listening to the instructions of the AEC program, I was excited knowing I would get a job.

The better job would help me to support my family and prepare my son for a college education. I had my new job before I finished the program. I was accepted by Shell Oil Company where I worked for 24 years and received an early retirement package with excellent benefits that I still have today. Thanks to God, Mrs. Geoffray, Mr. Coleman, Dutch Morial, teachers and other businesspeople who made all of my dreams come true.