Produce Clerk Shaffina Mohammed, #694, Conyers, Georgia, always wanted to finish school but had a lot on her plate.

As a wife, mother of two and full-time Publix associate, it was hard to squeeze in the time. But, with support from her family and her store, as well as help from Publix’s GED reimbursement program, Shaffina was able to accomplish her long-awaited goal — earn her GED diploma.

“When I was younger, I didn’t realize the importance of education,” said Shaffina. “I was one of seven children and grew up in Trinidad where it was really expensive to go to school. My family couldn’t afford to send all of us.”

Now that she’s grown and in her role at Publix, Shaffina loves helping and sharing her knowledge about produce with customers. But in the past, she occasionally had trouble understanding them. She knew going back to school could help, so she made the decision to look into obtaining her GED diploma.

“I had support from my managers and co-workers, so I believed it was possible. Nothing was going to hold me back,” said Shaffina. “What made it even better was learning Publix would pay me back for my exam fee and GED preparation workbook.”

In June, Shaffina smiled big in her cap and gown when she walked across the stage to collect her GED diploma.

“My family and Publix team were so proud of me. I was overjoyed to finally accomplish this goal,” Shaffina said.

This achievement ignited her passion to further her education even more. Shaffina plans to return to school to study cosmetology. With her love for Publix and her job, she doesn’t plan on making a career change but wants to continue to learn.

Pictured above, Produce Clerk Shaffina Mohammed is happy just being at work and making people smile. But with her GED diploma in hand, she has something else to be happy about. Learn more about Publix’s adult education program on PASSport.