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Turning your life around Woman shares how she made something of herself For women who want to make more of themselves and don't think they can, Donna Beagle is the woman to meet. She speaks to the public for free, 1 to 4 p.m. today at the Smullin Center, 2825 Barnett Road. Professional case managers from Adult and Family Services, Senior and Disabled Services and Jackson County Health and Human Services will meet with her in the morning. Beagle comes from a third-generation, fruit-picking, welfare family. She grew up poor, was pregnant at age 15, and at 25 found herself a single mom with two kids and no education or job skills. Today she is about to complete her doctorate degree in communications. She said her life changed after a case worker helped her focus and direct her frustration and feelings of low self-esteem. Beagle, who earned her GED from Lane Community College, is a provocative, controversial and inspirational speaker, said Peg Bowden, manager for Jackson County's maternal and child health department. "I wanted to bring her here because I would like to inspire women who feel that they're not going to get anywhere except flipping burgers in a fast food restaurant," Bowden said. "This woman never thought she would ever complete a doctorate degree at a major university," Bowden said. Beagle will share her inspiring story on how she lifted herself out of welfare, completed her GED and went on to a university. Beagle, who was recently interviewed by Night Line's Ted Koppel is also the president of a consulting firm for communicating across barriers such as age, race and class. For more information call (541)774-8042, or (541)830-7019. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA