GED grads get some 'Attitude Therapy'
By Veronica Nett
June 3, 2006
Saturday Gazette-Mail

South Charleston High School graduates and GED recipients received one last lesson in attitude this week before receiving their diplomas. The commencement speaker for the two graduation ceremonies, Deb Copeland, author of "Attitude Therapy" and president and CEO of Work Smart Business Consultants, spoke to South Charleston graduates last week in the Charleston Civic Arena and to GED recipients June 1 at Capital High School.

A former South Charleston High dropout and a GED recipient herself, Copeland shared her story and the power of a positive attitude.

"Success in people is not based on fame and fortune, but on will and the ability to adjust their attitude," Copeland said to graduates, "Like a golf or tennis game, you have to work at it and practice to improve."

No stranger to heartache and setbacks, Copeland credits a good attitude to her success and ability overcome life's obstacles.

While she was in high school Copeland's father left the family and her sister went off to college. She was left to care for her mother who had been diagnosed with cancer. At 17, Copeland dropped out of school to care for her mother full time and got her GED. Her mother died that same year.

Developing a positive attitude is not part of a school's curriculum, Copeland said. "Attitude affects everything from your job, career, and home life, no matter your profession...be it a nurse, secretary, pastor or spouse in a marriage."

In her late 20's Copeland worked several jobs to make ends meet, while raising her young son from a failed marriage. Health problems sent her to the hospital where she was diagnosed with lupus, a disease that affects the immune system. Her diagnosis made her vulnerable to illness and resulted in further hospitalizations.

Copeland forged ahead and earned a degree from the University of Charleston. In 1981, she acquired Smart Personnel, which became Smart Temporary Services. When, she sold the business in 1994, she was staffing businesses in seven states.

Six years ago, after selling her business and adding three adopted children to her family, Copeland suffered a seizure. Doctors found a nonmalignant brain tumor.

Copeland said it was positive thinking that pulled her through the rough patches and contributed to her success.