Success, Self Esteem and Self-Efficacy

Recognition as a result of successful ABLE attendance was responsible for participants’ scho larships (11 percent), financial rewards (17 percent) and job offers (21 percent). Far beyond educational, financial or employment benefits, participants (88 percent) cited improved self-confidence as the major outcome of their successful adult education experience. This self-confidence is reflected in the groups’ overall high level of satisfaction and their expectations for the future. The evidence that success in adult education programs translates to self-esteem which leads to self-efficacy is borne out in both the qualitative study and the standardized QOLI. Nevertheless, in order to be successful, it is incumbent upon participants to bring something to the process. The resilience and determination these participants brought to adult education worked in their favor. Nina states it best:

My belief is that you have to have an inner core, you have to have the desire; if you don’t have the desire, it’s hard. You can succeed but it takes longer, and it’s more work for the staff to get you there. If you have a goal already set in your mind, and this is something you want to do or need to do in order to get ahead or get out of whatever mess you’re in, and the only way to get out is education, then you’ll work towards it.

Not everyone enjoyed success after program completion. For three participants, the intention to continue learning for life evident at the time of their award ceremonies did not persist after program separation. While Frank’s wife is in college studying to be a special education teacher, his life has gone on pretty much as usual since he received his recognition award a year ago.

Since I was a winner, it hasn’t really changed much. I’m still working the same job as a janitor. I really didn’t go to pursue the air conditioning and the heating. I guess the fact that I’m just trying to pay the bills and trying to keep food on the table. I would say I found it very difficult to go to school. ...I guess what happened, after I graduated from the program, I kind of just stopped studying. I really didn’t pursue the education part of it anymore. That’s where I’m at right now. There really hasn’t been any promotions. I really haven’t pursued the education part to get a promotion. I would say I’m just in limbo.

Lack of achievement is not always linked to lack of incentive; life can intervene. Fran was carrying a 3.89 grade point average and needed only two more classes to complete her associate degree when a motorcycle accident changed her plans. Her interview clearly indicates intense dissatisfaction stemming from physical problems which prevent her from realizing her dream of becoming a dental assistant.

Quincy is being pressed to the wall by child support payments. Like Fran and Frank, he is currently unable to move forward. However, he knows this is a temporary condition and he has learned that there are always options. Education has given him a new perspective that enables him to deal with whatever life sends his way.

I’m struggling here and there to pay my car bill, my insurance, and I’m on the verge of losing my car; but due to the value of education, there are things that I can do now that I know I can do. I mean, I’m not all burned up and bent out of shape about this. I just have to do what I have to do.