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.