Lorrie Shine

At age 54, Lorrie Shine is proof that it is never too late to get an education that will open doors to new opportunities and pathways in your life.

The Clay County native did not graduate from high school. Shine, who has four children and eight grandchildren, became a parent as a teenager.

“At that time, school was not a priority for me,” Shine said.

In addition to raising her children, Shine worked as a cosmetologist and later as a custodian and paraprofessional at Fruit Cove Middle School. Being surrounded by students inspired Shine to do more with her life and go back to school.

“I decided that I was going to change my situation,” Shine said. “The experience of going back to school is something I would not change for anything in the world.”

For adults without a high school diploma, a GED can help in many ways. Shine enrolled first in the GED preparation course and later in the Public Safety Telecommunications training from Clay County Adult & Community Education, which provides continuing education courses for adult students within Clay and the surrounding counties. The program welcomes students of all ages.

“I was surrounded by younger people as well as older students who had been out of school,” Shine said. “We encouraged each other.”

After completing the preparation courses and training, Shine took the exams to earn her GED and Public Safety Telecommunications certifications.

“It was a process and a few times I wanted to give up,” Shine said. “However, accomplishing this goal filled me with pride and joy.”

Earning a GED and Public Safety Telecommunications certifications led Shine to a new career. A resource officer at Fruit Cove Middle School encouraged her to apply to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Department, where Shine now works as a Corrections Control Operator. In her role, she monitors inmates incarcerated at the St. Johns County correctional facility. She also trains 911 dispatch students.

“It’s a privilege to teach someone else what I have learned,” Shine said.

Generally, 911 dispatchers are the first to answer emergency calls for help. While going through the training, Shine drew from her own experience of calling 911. She recalled how the dispatcher helped calm and comfort her during a difficult time.

“When you’re answering a call, you have to think about the person on the other end of the line,” Shine said.

The Public Safety Telecommunication training focuses on interpretation and response. A dispatcher has to listen carefully to determine the needs of the caller while observing background noises and other sounds. In their role, they must remain calm, be adept at multi-tasking and have keen attention to detail.

“We learn never to judge a caller by their race or the way they speak,” Shine said.

Depending on the call, 911 dispatchers may alert deputies with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office or fire rescue.

“Our No. 1 concern is the safety of the public,” Shine said. “It takes patience and compassion to answer these calls.”

There are many financial, professional and personal reasons to get a GED. As Shine demonstrates, a GED and certification training will open doors to the future.