Student Success Profile: Santana Hackler

Santana Hackler, Welding Technology Graduate

Today's successful profile features a Q and A with Santana Hackler. Santana is a Workforce Education student who is enrolled in the Welding program at Green River. He's earned multiple certificates and now has his sights set on completing an Associate in Applied Science degree. His welding expertise, mixed with extensive salvage experience and a background in deep-sea diving, will make Santana a triple threat on the job market. He credits Green River's Welding program for its diversity, level of engagement, and its dynamic mix of theory and practice. Check out his story below!

Hi Santana. Thanks for joining us on the blog. What's it like to be a student in the Welding program at Green River?

Santana: Well, being a student here at Green River is a life-changing experience, something that will stay with me for a lifetime. The Welding program has been a real personal challenge that has grown me as a student and as a future employee. The whole Welding program is designed to challenge you on every level of the trade, so anyone can come in and learn how to weld, and understand the processes that employers desire from their well-trained welders. The program, as a whole, is the most inviting and pleasant program I could be involved in at Green River. The diversity of people, the level of engaging welding, and the theory practices within my program have opened many doors of capability and opportunity.

Can you tell us the story of how you decided to pursue training in this field?

Santana: I decided to pursue welding training at Green River because I wanted job security. I put a lot of time and thought into my choice of career field, because the job field was changing due to the economy. After talking with a career adviser at Green River, we found that welding is an area where I have previous skill sets because of my extensive salvage and deep-sea diver training. So, the choice was a natural one, after I had spoken with Professor E. Vessor who took the time to explain how the program worked and what I could expect. From day one, I knew Green River was my ticket to success.

How has Workforce Education helped you towards completing your goals?

Santana: Workforce Education has been a true godsend in helping me realize my dream from start to finish. It brings me to tears knowing there are programs like theirs that can actually help transform people's lives, and give them an opportunity to realize their dreams. From day one, Workforce helped me in the whole process, from Compass testing, and getting into classes, to acquiring equipment to weld with. I owe the success, in all I'm doing at Green River, to Workforce; they gave me a real fighting chance to make a difference for the lives of me and my loved ones. When I think of Workforce, I think of family, because that's how they treated me. And for that, I'm graduating college. The chance I got from Workforce was a chance to change for a lifetime.

You've completed two certificates, and are approaching completion of an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding--congrats! What advice do you have for new students who are thinking about pursuing Welding training at Green River?

Santana: My advice for people who want welding training at Green River would be to approach each day as a new opportunity to add something positive and challenging to your day. Make the most of this opportunity, and the doors that you will open, by undertaking a career in welding, will change your life. Better benefits and rewards in your career will be a direct result of the fact that you chose to change your life by becoming an industry welder.

Funding Tip! All four Workforce Education funding programs--BFET, Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst--support Welding at Green River.

Student Success Profile: Scott Swanberg

Scott Swanberg, Helicopter Pilot

Today's success profile features a Q and A with the-one-and-only Scott Swanberg. Scott is a Workforce Education student who is enrolled in the Helicopter Pilot program at Green River.

Scott comes from a family of pilots, earned his private airplane license at seventeen years of age, has over ten years of aviation experience, and is currently an instructor at Classic Helicopters. As Scott puts it, "flying is in the blood."

A Veteran of the Armed Forces, Scott also brings a wealth of service experience and a strong work ethic to the classroom. He's gearing up to graduate this December. Check out his story below!

Hi Scott. Thanks for joining us on the blog. What's it like to be a student in the Helicopter Pilot program at Green River?

Scott: It's a great opportunity to get the training I need. GRCC instructors are top notch, and I have learned a lot from them despite coming into the program with 10+ years of aviation under my belt. My situation is very atypical, as I entered the program as a flight instructor and am only finishing up my Instrument and Instrument Instructor ratings, but it has still been a great opportunity for me to learn and grow within my field. I am considering sticking with the program and and finishing up my Airplane ratings as well.

Can you tell us the story of how you decided to pursue training in this field?

Scott: I come from a family of many pilots, so I guess it's in my blood. I remember flying at a very young age with my father and I can't imagine doing anything else. I got my airplane private license when I was 17. My first helicopter flight was magical, and I just had to get my add-on rating. The balance of my life has been spent pursuing that dream.

How has your background as a Veteran of the Armed Forces prepared you to succeed at the college level?

Scott: The military was a great experience for me. The discipline, emphasis on maintaining physical fitness, and hard work ethic are positive tools that shape motivated, contributing members of our society. The brotherhood will stay with me forever. Getting out of the service and looking ahead, I am motivated to succeed and know that I can. I see these traits in other Veterans and attribute it to our service experiences. I also think that "growing up" in the service and starting college a little later in life changes priorities. I have a family, and so having the skills and education I need to put food on the table is a priority. I take this very seriously.

You're approaching graduation--congrats! What advice would you have for new students who are thinking about pursuing Helicopter Training at Green River?

Scott: Manage your time! I see others in the program struggling to do this. This program takes a lot of dedication. I am both a student and an instructor at Classic Helicopters, so I can tell you that Green River instructors are all great and are there to help students succeed, but students need to meet us half-way. Stay on top of school obligations and set aside time to fly. Also, take Knowledge Tests (part of the requirement for your FAA rating) early! Procrastination will hold you back at the end and can cause problems. Sometimes I need to follow my own advice! It's easy to get overwhelmed. You just have to grit your teeth and go for it!

Funding Tip! All four Workforce Education funding programs support the Helicopter Pilot program at Green River, including: BFET, Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst.

Student Success Profile: John Carnes

Today's student success profile features a brief Q and A with John Carnes. John is a Workforce Education student with passions around design, programming, and creating things with his hands. In a just a few short months, he will complete two certificates in the Aerospace: Principles of Precision Machining program.

Afterwards, he has ambitious plans to transition to the two-year Machining and Manufacturing Technology Associate in Applied Science degree. As he puts it, enrolling at Green River was the "best decision ever!"

Hi John, welcome to the blog.What's it like being a student in the Aerospace: Principles of Precision Machining program at Green River?

John: Don't know where to begin, but the teachers are real hands-on about your lessons, which is great! You do really get back what you put into it, with great opportunities only after the first quarter.

Can you tell us the story of how you decided to pursue training in this field?

John: I've always had a passion for creating things with my hands. I had some background in programming in prior colleges; wanting to create something I can actually see was also a big push towards machining. Best decision ever. Maybe it's the Green River teacher and staff members, but the lessons learned here are worth all the time and effort.

How has Workforce Education helped you towards completing your goals?

John: Without Workforce Education, I don't know where I'd be at. They are currently a big part of my life-changing experience, for the positive of course.

What advice would you have for new students who are interested in pursuing precision machining training at Green River?

John: Hello and welcome. You have made the right choice! Give it all you've got and learn--you will get back more in return before you even know it. Good luck on your pursuit to becoming a machinist.

Funding Tip! The following Workforce Education funding programs support machining training at Green River: BFET, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst.

Image Credit: edmik1.com

Student Success Profile: Jeremy Knapp

Jeremy Knapp and Family

Today's success profile features a Q and A with Jeremy Knapp. Jeremy is a Workforce Education student at Green River who is enrolled in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. He turned a job layoff in 2010 into an opportunity to make his dream of becoming an OTA, a reality. Three years of rigorous coursework and late study nights are finally paying off—he graduates this summer, and is gearing up to start a new and rewarding career. Check out his inspirational story of new beginnings.

Hi Jeremy. Thanks for joining us on the blog. What's it like being a student in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Green River?

Jeremy: The OTA program is an intensive 2 year process to prepare you for a rewarding career as a COTA. The coursework is difficult, and there are a lot of late study nights, but I have met some great people along the way, and I'm sad to see it coming to an end. I'm also excited to get started in my new job!

Can you tell us the story of how you decided to pursue training in the OTA field?

Jeremy: I worked in the construction field most of my life. One day on my way home, I was listening to a story on NPR about occupational therapy and physical therapy. They sounded like careers that fit my personality, but I thought I would never have the opportunity to make a career change. When I was laid off from my job as an Operations Manager in 2010, I was given the chance. I decided to turn what could have been a bad thing into an opportunity, and thus began my 3 year journey to make my dream a reality!

How has Workforce Education helped you towards completing your goals?

Jeremy: Workforce Education has been instrumental in my success at Green River. From start to finish, they have been there to answer every question I had and offer help when I needed it. I can say without a doubt: I would not be where I am today without Workforce Education, and for that I am truly thankful.

You're nearing completion of your degree. Congrats! What advice do you have for new students who are thinking about applying for admission to the OTA program at Green River?

Jeremy: I would say if you are an outgoing, positive person who wants to make a difference in another person's life who really needs it, apply to the OTA program at Green River. It will be one of the hardest things you will ever do in your life, but it will also be the most rewarding! 

$$$ Tip! All four Workforce Education funding programs—BFET, Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst—support OTA training at Green River.  

Student Success Profile: Caroline Bellinger

Today's success profile features a Q and A with Caroline Bellinger. Caroline is a Workforce Education student who is preparing to graduate from Green River's rigorous Practical Nursing program. Below, she provides an insightful inside look at what it means to be a nursing student, and discusses her journey of personal growth and professional development.

Hi Caroline. Thanks for joining us on the blog. What's it like being a student in the Practical Nursing program at Green River?

Caroline: As a student in the LPN program at Green River, I have been challenged in ways I never anticipated. It is a very comprehensive, rigorous program. The program has produced students who pass the NCLEX licensing exam  on the first try for three years in a row, which attests to the qualify of the program. But beyond that, it has given me opportunities and expected me to analyze, reflect, and develop my own personal philosophy of what kind of nurse I want to be with respect to communication and leadership in the every-changing environment that is healthcare. I expected and was prepared for a challenging curriculum, but didn't expect the extent of personal growth and development. 

What lead you to pursue training in this field?

Caroline:  I was surplussed after 20 years in my telecom job. One significant factor in selecting this field was the fact that I have a mortgage. I was specifically looking for a field that would pay well enough to support my financial situation. In addition, my parents were in the speech and hearing field, so medical environments feel familiar to me. I have always loved caring for and helping people. The LPN program at Green River was a perfect fit.

How has Workforce Education helped you towards completing your goals?

Caroline: Workforce Education helped me begin my journey, and now in my last quarter, they are helping me again! The department was instrumental in helping me navigate my way through the first quarter while figuring out how to apply for financial aid. They also provided step-by-step assistance in filling out the application for the Training Benefits program offered through the Employment Security Department. They guided me through filling out the application, provided advice, and I'm sure were instrumental in making the application process proceed smoothly. Workforce Education is helping me once again with tuition assistance to get me through the last quarter of my program!

You're nearing completion of the Practical Nursing program. Congrats! What are your future plans?

Caroline: My plans for the future are to take the NCLEX licensing exam as soon as I graduate, get licensed, and then start looking for work. I haven't decided on a specific field yet. There are so many different opportunities. A great thing about Green River's LPN program has been the numerous clinical assignments that not only have given me real life nursing experiences with patients, but also an opportunity to see different work environments and associated nursing tasks. I feel like the world is my oyster!

$$$ Tip! All four Workforce Education funding programs—BFET, Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst—support Practical Nursing training at Green River. 

Machine Maintenance with Pat Pritchard

Today's post features a Q and A with Pat "The Machine Doctor" Pritchard. Pat's an instructor in Green River's exciting new Machine Maintenance program. A former Boeing employee, he brings a wealth of industry experience to the college, and has a number of insightful comments to share about the program and the maintenance field in general.

Pat Pritchard

Hi Pat. Thanks for joining us on the blog. To start, can you tell us the story of how you became an instructor at Green River?

Pat: I worked as a mechanic in various industries, ship building, oil refineries, and chemical plants before I ended up in Aerospace with Boeing. Boeing was a fascinating place to work because it offered such great opportunities to learn and grow. I took some personal computing classes at Green River which really changed my career because I was quickly put to work on a variety of computer based machinery. Since computers are a part of more and more machinery everyday, I was very busy. I found  that I enjoyed passing on what I learned to others, and that caused me to move around a lot at Boeing. I eventually ended up as a full-time maintenance instructor at Boeing. I heard that Green River was entering the Maintenance Training arena, so I came down to see what type of program they had in mind. Once I talked with them, we realized I might be the right person to help them build their program. I wasn't looking for a new job, but the idea of starting a brand new program really intrigued me. It has been really hard work but it has also been an awful lot of fun.

Can you provide an overview of the Machine Maintenance program?

Pat: Our classes supply the basic skills and knowledge that are needed to understand and maintain machinery. The best way to think about modern maintenance workers is to think of them as machinery doctors. Just like doctors, we spend part of the time practicing preventative maintenance, and part of the time responding to unexpected problems. Our training program is much like medical school since we start by studying what machines are made of. It is quite different than most other maintenance programs because we do not specialize in any specific type of machinery. We operate on the idea that all machines are devices that use various types of energy.

Can you describe your approach to teaching Machine Maintenance?

Pat: Our class starts with the idea that any machine is simply a device that controls and uses various forms of energy. From the simplest application of mechanical energy on the end of a lever, to the most advanced CNC machine tool, they all use various types of energy to perform work. We study the most commonly used types of energy in class: hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical, for example. Once you understand the energy in a machine, there is not much you can't figure out.

In your opinion, what type of student will be successful in the Machine Maintenance program?

Pat: Curiosity is very important. If you want to know how things work and enjoy solving problems, you will do very well in maintenance. If you're looking for a job in which you do the same thing every day, maintenance is probably not the place for you. In the maintenance world, you are given a task and it is up to you to design the method to solve that problem. We use math often but mostly for proportions and ratios. Reading is an essential skill because you will need to learn new machines and technologies throughout your career. One thing I didn't realize until I started teaching is how much creativity is used in solving the multitude of problems that confronts maintenance workers every day.

Finally, why is the maintenance field a good career choice?

Pat: Most people don't realize that 5 to 10% of the technical workforce is in the maintenance field. People also don't realize it is one of the highest paid jobs in the workforce. When Washington State government leaders asked the Aerospace community how they could help keep work in the Puget Sound, one of the things the Aerospace Industry said was that what they really needed was trained maintenance workers. The Machine Maintenance program at Green River is a direct result of that industry-wide need.

$$$ Tip! Three Workforce Education funding programs support Machine Maintenance training at Green River, including BFET, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst.

Student Success Profile: Jayme Clark

Jayme Clark

Today's success profile features a Q and A with Jayme Clark. Jayme is a Workforce Education student who is wrapping up a Natural Resources degree, with an emphasis in Geographical Information Systems. Her future's looking bright—Jayme graduates this summer, and is going to work for the City of Seattle (where she's been interning since 2012) as an Invasive Species Technician. Check out her story below. 

Hi Jayme. Thanks for joining us on the blog. To start, can you tell us about the degree you're pursuing at Green River?

Jayme: I'm working toward an AAS degree in Natural Resources & GIS (Geographic Information Systems). It's an intensive 2 year degree of 125 credits in Natural Resources and GIS classes. In this program, I've spent a lot of time in the field practicing my technical skills. Those skills have put me in a great position for finding a job and getting started on my new career. I graduate this month—June 2013.

What lead you to pursue training in this field?

Jayme: I'm passionate about the outdoors and love being outside. I also wanted a career where I felt like I could make a difference. The Natural Resources program allowed me to work outside and make a positive impact on nature.

How has Workforce Education helped you towards completing your goals?

Jayme: Workforce Education has been great! I would not have been able to go back to school without them. My experience with them was very positive and I always felt like they cared about helping me. They explained my options for funding college, helped me fill out paperwork, and followed up to make sure I had what I needed to succeed.

You're nearing completion of your degree. Congrats! What are your future plans?

Jayme: I've been very lucky—I have a lot of career options. After one year in the Natural Resources program, I was hired as an Intern for the City of Seattle where I've been since June, 2012. After graduation, I will continue working for the city as an Invasive Species Technician in their municipal watersheds. I really want to say thank you to the staff at Green River, Workforce Education, and my instructors in the Natural Resources program!

$$$ Tip! All four Workforce Education funding programs—BFET, Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst—support the Natural Resources-GIS option degree at Green River.

Shelan Aldridge / Neighborhood House

Please welcome to the blog esteemed community partner Shelan Alridge. Shelan is an Adult Education & Employment Manager at Neighborhood House, a non-profit organization in Washington State that has been fighting poverty and creating stronger communities since 1906.

Hi Shelan. Thanks for joining us on the blog. To start, can you give us an overview of your organization?

Shelan: Neighborhood House is a non-profit organization with a mission to help diverse communities of people with limited resources attain their goals for self-sufficiency, financial independence, health and community building. We offer everything from parent home visiting programs, to citizenship classes, to employment programs that help people find jobs.

Who is eligible to apply for services at Neighborhood House?

Shelan: The eligibility for different programs varies, but most services focus on individuals or families that have low or no income.

Are there any specific resources offered through Neighborhood House that you would like to spotlight at this time?

Shelan: Yes! Neighborhood House has employment services in South King County that I'd like to highlight. We're big into education and several of our employment programs support students in different ways while they are going to school / completing training. Some of our programs pay for GED testing fees, while others help connect students to community resources or jobs.

Oftentimes, we see students struggling to find jobs after they complete their training programs. Our skilled and dedicated employment specialists come alongside students to help them develop a targeted resume; train them how to highlight newly-learned skills in an interview; and assist with online job applications and job leads. We use a team approach and have a career developer who develops relationships with employers in their community. We often connect our job seekers to job openings with those employers and advocate on their behalf.

Employment specialists are also able to help students overcome other barriers they may be facing that make completing school or finding a job difficult. At times, it's a housing issue or eviction notice. Or it's the inability to get a job or get to school because of a transportation issue. Once the person qualifies and enrolls, some programs can offer limited support services, such as one time rental assistance, interview clothing, or a bus pass need for job search or vocational training.

If any of your students who are reading this are motivated to work and are interested in enrolling into one of our employment programs, feel free to send me an email. We're a community-based organization, so it doesn't cost anything to enroll. I'll be happy to connect them to one of our employment specialists who can do an assessment to see if they qualify.

Shelan Aldridge is an Adult Education & Employment Manager with Neighborhood House. She can be reached at shelana@nhwa.org. For more information about Neighborhood House, you can also visit nhwa.org.  

Updated Training Benefits Application

If you're currently receiving unemployment benefits in Washington State, and are interested in attending a local community / technical college to update your skills or to retrain for a new occupation, you'll definitely want to get your hands on a Training Benefits application. Why? Because you have to get permission to go to school from the Employment Security Department. Filling out a Training Benefits application is one way of doing just that.

We last discussed Training Benefits in an earlier post, wwwaaaaayyy back in 2010. Since the Employment Security Department  recently updated the application, now seems like a great time to review the subject.

First, let's define our terms. When a person fills out a Training Benefits application, (s)he is asking the Employment Security Department for two things: Training Benefits (TB) and Commissioner Approved Training (CAT). This is why the application is sometimes casually referred to as a TB/CAT application.

As defined by the Employment Security Department, Training Benefits are "extra weeks of [unemployment] benefits after regular unemployment benefits and any federally funded programs have run out." More weeks of unemployment, in other words, designed to kick in on the backend, after regular benefits and federal extensions have been exhausted.

Commissioner Approved Training is exactly what it sounds like: Approval for Training, from the Commissioner of the Employment Security Department.  Permission to go to school, in other words, as well as permission to suspend the job-search requirement that claimants typically adhere to.

The Training Benefits application, itself, is only nine pages long, but requires some work to complete because it asks for information about: your previous occupation; the degree or certificate program you intend to enroll in; future jobs you will be qualified to fill once you've finished the degree / certificate; as well as information about your current availability for work.

Have specific questions about Training Benefits or Commissioner Approved Training? Go to your local WorkSource employment center or call the Employment Security Department's Training Benefits hotline at 1-877-600-7701.

Student Success Profile: Chelsie McCalla

Chelsie McCalla, OTA Grad

Today's student success profile features an informative Q and A with Chelsie McCalla. Chelsie is a Workforce Education student who is about to graduate from Green River's Occupational Therapy Assistant program. As Chelsie puts it, "If you love people and are looking for a rewarding career, OTA is where it's at!" Check out her story below.

Hi Chelsie. What's it like being a student in the OTA program at Green River?

Chelsie: I would have to say that it's fun! I know that sounds a little crazy ,but it is actually a really fun program and you learn a ton. It is a progressive program in that it starts off really easy and each quarter the intensity progresses, so by the end you are well trained and ready to practice. At times there were moments when I thought to myself, why am I doing this? But trust me it all pays off and comes together.
 

Can you tell us the story of how you decided to pursue training as an Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Chelsie: Previously before deciding to go into the OTA field I was currently working in retail. My previous jobs were all people-orientated, working in customer service. I knew that I enjoyed working with people. I later experienced jobs still involving customer service, but  was tired of sitting at a desk. I found that that was a little boring to me, so I decided to do some research and look into jobs that involved working with people, but had a little more freedom in moving around throughout the day and not just tied to a desk.My latest job was working at a bank and I was let go, so I was able to draw unemployment. I was told by Workforce Education that I could go to school and get training. I was real hesitant at first to look into schooling because I had no money and I did not want to acquire any debt. I started to do research and I came across physical therapy. Workforce Education said that this was a training program that qualified for funding through their programs. I went to Green River and looked at the program, and at the pre-requisite classes required, and began my school career. I finished all required classes and was just about to formally apply for the PTA program, when I failed one of the prerequisite classes, good old Math! One of the counselors suggested that instead of waiting a whole another year for the opportunity to apply, that I instead apply for the OTA program since all the prerequisites were pretty much the same. So I did and I got in. Sometimes plan B works out better then plan A.
 

How has Workforce Education helped you towards completing your goals?

Chelsie: Workforce Education has been EXTREMELY helpful from the moment I stepped onto the college. They have had workforce counselors onsite to answer any questions needed, made filling out paper work and faxing documents very easy. They are very flexible and accommodating to my class schedules if I needed to make an appointment. At times an unexpected glitch may have come up and I always could go into their office. I might be feeling STRESSED out, but they would sort out the problem with me so I never felt like I was  left  hanging! Also they are very resourceful of notifying you of resources that you qualify for or changes that effect you. Overall all I can say is that they are very helpful in assisting me to reach my goals.
 

You're nearing completing of your degree. Congrats! What advice would you have for new students who are thinking about applying for admission to the OTA program?

Chelsie: The advice I would give is, if you love people and  if you are looking for a rewarding career OTA is where it's at. I can truly say that this whole college experiences has been truly fun. Yes, hard work is involved, but it is all worth it. The teachers, counselors, and other staff are all there to help you get through it and they really do. Also, for new students: to be successful, stay on top of your work and try to be organized!

$$$ Tip! All four Workforce Education funding programs—BFET, Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst—support OTA training at Green River.

Student Success Profile: Trisha McKay

Trisha McKay

Today's success profile features a brief Q and A with Trisha McKay. Trisha is a Workforce Education student who is nearing completion of an Administrative Assistant degree at Green River. She graduates this June and has big plans in store for the future. Check out her story below.

Hi Trisha. Thanks for joining us on the blog. What's it like to be a student in the Administrative Assistant program at Green River?

Trisha: At first it was very scary, but well worth the hard work and effort that I put in. I have met a lot of fun and interesting people within all my classes and I have enjoyed meeting all the instructors. I have learned how to improve not only my skills but also my personal life with what I have learned. I have fully enjoyed my last two years here at Green River and I will miss going to school.

Can you tell us the story of how you decided to pursue training in this field?

Trisha: In January 2009, I was five months pregnant with my second child and was laid off of work. I tried to look for work for about a year and was getting nowhere with only 18 months experience within the Administrative field and no schooling. I had very little knowledge about software and decided if the economy was so bad that I couldn't find work that I really should look into furthering my career by going back to school. I found out about Federal Financial Aid and Workforce Education through my DSHS worker in Auburn and got approved right away.

How has Workforce Education helped you towards completing your goals?

Trisha: If it wasn't for Workforce Education I would not have had funding or the assistance I needed lining up daycare (no daycare means no time for school). Also, I was originally going for an Administrative Assistant certificate, but realized I could earn multiple certifcates ultimately leading to a degree, in about the same amount of time. Workforce Education ensured I had enough funding to complete my degree.

You're close to completing your degree. Congrats! What are your plans after graduation?

Trisha: Well, as for graduation I am really excited and very proud of the hard work and achievements that I have completed. My June is very, very busy. Just one week after graduation I will be getting married to a great man. Then I hopefully will be able to find a career (instead of just a job) with a company that will fully benefit me as well as my now growing family.

$$$ Tip! All four Workforce Education funding programs - BFET, Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst - support Administrative Assistant training at Green River. 

Student Success Profile: Jenny S

Today's success profile features a Q and A with Jenny S., a Workforce Education student who is enrolled in one of Green River's more popular and demanding programs - Practical Nursing. Jenny provides a compelling inside look at what it means to be a nursing student. Check out her story below.

Hi Jenny. What is it like being a student in Green River's Practical Nursing program?

Jenny: It is like having two full-time jobs! One being in school on campus, and the other all the hours studying.

Can you briefly tell us the story of how you decided to pursue training in this field?

Jenny: I have always wanted to be a nurse and after being laid off, I thought it was the perfect time to pursue my dream.

How has Workforce Education helped you towards completing your goals?

Jenny: Workforce Education has been there for me since day one! It is a hard road to navigate from being employed full-time and transitioning to a full-time student. Since I was laid off I applied for Training Benefits (additional weeks of UI benefits) through the Employment Security Department. I didn't know where to start, but I was fortunate in having Workforce Education on my side during the process. In the beginning, I was emailing, calling, and going into their office about once a week! And every time I was helped and guided in the right direction. I will forever be grateful as I know this is a difficult path to navigate alone.

What advice would you have for new students who are thinking about pursuing Practical Nursing training at Green River?

Jenny: I would say go for it! Make the commitment to yourself and stick to it no matter what. It is hard and for two years school will be your life, but it will be worth it in the end. I will finally have a college education, working as a nurse and doing what I love.

$$$ Tip! All four Workforce Education funding programs - BFET, Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst - support Practical Nursing training at Green River.       

Student Success Profile: Elsie Quitevis

Elsie Quitevis

Today's success profile features a Q and A with Elsie Quitevis. Elsie is a Workforce Education student who is enrolled in the Administrative Assistant program at Green River. She's completed multiple certificates and is now setting her sights on a career in the Administrative Assistant field. Check out her story below.

Hi Elsie. Thanks for joining us on the blog. What is it like being a student in the Administrative Assistant program at Green River?

Elsie: First of all, I would like to thank the entire Workforce Education family at GRCC for their assistance and for giving me the opportunity to go back to school. Being in this program has been a very fulfilling experience. I learned a lot from my instructors and I have met different kinds of students with different nationalities and backgrounds.

Can you tell us the story of how you decided to pursue training in this field of study?

Elsie: I worked for two years as a production worker, but because of the economic crisis I was laid off due to lack of work. I tried searching for a job for a couple of months but received no response. I tried to apply for clerical positions but they required experience. While I have 20 years of experience as a government employee, that was in my country, which I can't apply here. I went to WorkSource. My trainer there asked me if I would like to go to school with no expenses and so opportunity knocked on my door and I grabbed it right away. WorkSource directed me to go to Workforce Education at GRCC to inquire about their programs and they accommodated me. Now, I'm pursuing my final Administrative Assistant certificate and hopefully will finish at the end of the spring quarter, 2013. Once again, thank you Workforce Education!

You're completed multiple Administrative Assistant-related certificates. Congrats! What are your plans after graduation?

Elsie: Thank you. My plans after graduation are to apply for a job and, if hired, to save money to support my two kids for their schooling.

What advice would you have for new students who are thinking about pursuing training in a similar field of study?

Elsie: My advice for them is to study hard because for me, education is the greatest foundation in a person's life, and it is also the key to success. Another piece of advice is, if they need funding assistance for their schooling, go to Workforce Education at GRCC and they will embrace you and lend a helping hand with open hearts.

$$$ Tip! All four Workforce Education funding programs - BFET, Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst, - support Administrative Assistant training at Green River.

Student Success Profile: Victor Santoyo

Today's student success profile features a Q and A with Victor Santoyo. Victor is a Workforce Education student who originally came to Green River to earn his GED. Now, he's wrapping up dual degrees in Information Technology. Victor's education, combined with his commitment to excellence, helped him land an IT-support job at a local company. Check out the story of his success below!

Hi Victor. Thanks for joining us on the blog. What's it like to be a student in the Information Technology program at Green River?

Victor: Being a student in the Information Technology program was a scary and exciting feeling at the same time. Throughout the time I've been in the IT program here at Green River, it's been one the best experiences in my life. The IT instructors are very knowledgeable, using their years of collective experience in the information technology field and sharing it with students, which is a major advantage, versus just getting information out of a book. Plus, they give hands-on instruction that familiarizes students with computer hardware and software issues in order to hone troubleshooting skills. The other advantage that I felt the Green River's IT program provides, is virtual machines for students to get familiar with the different types of operating systems that are available, which gives a you an advantage of being prepared. I really do believe that you get your money's worth here at Green River's Information Technology program. I was able to complete my AAS degree in IT Networking in Fall quarter 2012, and I'm going to complete my AAS degree in IT Computer Support Specialist at the end of Winter quarter 2013.

Can you tell us the story of how you decided to pursue training in this field?

Victor: Here is a little background information what lead me to choose information technology.  I initially came to Green River to get my GED in the Fall of 2010, and at the same time take classes to become in interpreter, but soon found out the Green River didn't offer any of these types of classes.  I soon felt that I didn't know what I really wanted to study. As I got close to completing my GED,  I started looking in the winter schedule to see if Green River offered any type of classes for computer repair. I met Gus Gomez, an IT instructor, and he explained the types of  IT degrees the Green River offered and shortly after that he mapped out my class schedule from beginning to end.  

You've already earned one IT degree and you're about to complete a second. Two degrees, wow! What are your future plans?

Victor: My plans for the future are to continue pursuing my Bachelors degree in Networking and possibly later on a degree in Business Management. Recently, I just got hired as IT support for a company in Tukwila and it's a great feeling that this is just the beginning of my career. 

What advice would you have for new students who are thinking about pursuing training in the field of Information Technology?

Victor: I would say to new students: Apply yourself in the class environment. The instructors are there to teach you, as well as to learn from students. IT certifications are also important in getting a job because employers are looking for candidates who have certifications. It demonstrates to potential employers that you took time to go beyond  just taking the class and really understand the concepts. 

$$$ Tip! The following Workforce Education funding programs support IT training pathways at Green River: BFET, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst.