Student success profile - Heather Hansen




Heather Hansen with her two little girls



 



Today's success story features an inspirational Q and A with Heather Hansen who is a Workforce Education student enrolled in the Business Management Degree program at Green River.
As a single mother of 2 girls, she realized that her waitressing job did not provide a whole lot of satisfaction and direction in life. She decided that more education was the only way to create a brighter future for her children. Her journey does not stop after graduating with her AA degree in Business Management. She has plans to continue on to get her Bachelor’s degree.
A bright future awaits this Green River grad!

 Check out her story below.

Hello Heather - What's it like being a student in the Business Management degree program?

 Heather:  I am so excited to be a part of the Business Management program here at Green River. It is a great program with a handful of great instructors.

What lead you to pursue training in this particular field?

Heather:  I am a single mom with two little girls, so my waitressing jobs make it very difficult to feel a whole lot of structure. I needed something else in life. I wanted to go back to school.......

How has Workforce Education helped you achieve your goals?

  Heather:  Given the situation I was in, it would have been very difficult for me to go back to school on my own. Workforce Education paid for my tuition and books! They made going back to school so exciting and stress free for me. It felt so good! I even qualified for certificates that I had no idea even existed, and guess what, they paid for those too!!!

You're getting ready to graduate with your Associate of Business Management degree -- congrats! What are your future plans?
 
Heather:  Now that I'm getting ready to graduate with my AA, I have actually decided to continue on and get my Bachelor's degree which is also offered at Green River. Thank you Workforce for getting me here!!!

Mahabat Amen

Mahabat Amen
Working to reach her goal to be a teacher
 

Today's student success profile features a Q and A with Mahabat Amen. Mahabat is a Workforce Education student enrolled in the Para Educator program. Mahabat came to the United States from Kurdistan (Iraq) with a dream to become an elementary school teacher. With more than 14 years as a secondary school Mathematics teacher in Iraq, she decided to improve her English language skills at GRCC and take it one step at a time to reach her ultimate goal to be a teacher. Mahabat talks about her achievements and upcoming plans for the future.

Hi Mahabat,  thanks for joining us on the blog. What led you to pursue training in the Para Educator field?

Mahabat: My love for children motivated me to pursue training in this particular field. Children are great assets of our society. That is why I like to be a teacher and help them to be happy and successful in their future. For more than 14 years I was a secondary school math teacher in my country (Kurdistan, in Iraq). I wanted to be a teacher here as well, but due to lack of English language skills, I wasn't able to achieve that right away. I therefore decided to work in childcare as a teacher, but they required certification. For this reason I took CDA classes at Green River Community College.

How has Workforce Education helped you achieve your goals?

Mahabat: Workforce Education supported me a lot without my having concerns about funding. With the help of the Opportunity Grant and BFET programs I was able to take CDA classes at Green River Community College. CDA was the first step for me in learning a lot about child development, and it also helped with my language skills. I obtained my CDA certificate. I greatly benefited from the classes by understanding much more about children and their world. I t also motivated me to take more classes on Early Childhood Education. Later on I got my ECE certificate and took some Para Educator classes. .

Will you be getting a degree or certificate in the Para Educator program?

Mahabat: I hope I have the opportunity to complete the remaining credits in the Para Educator program.

What are your future plans?

 Mahabat:  My dream is to be a math teacher again, but I still need to take more steps to be eligible to teach in this country. For my future, after I finish classes, I would like to work in an elementary school or in childcare as a teacher.

Richamel J Tougeekay letter of appreciation to the BFET program

My name is Richamel J Tougeekay, I am a student at Green River Community College.

I am writing this letter to express my sincere gratitude to BFET for supporting me in my education. I am delighted and deeply appreciative of BFET support. I am currently getting my AAA degree in Early Childhood Education with hopes of becoming a daycare teacher. The financial assistance that BFET provided have been a great help to me in paying some of my educational expenses, and it will allow me to concentrate more of my times on my studies instead of worrying about how, where, when and what I will do to further my education.

Thank you again for your generosity and support in my education. Words can not express how much I appreciate your support. I promise BFET I will work very hard and eventually support education someday by the grace of God.


Sincerely, Richamel J Tougeekay


     

Student Success - Jenny Deslauriers

Today's success story features a Q and A with Jenny Deslauriers.  Jenny is a Workforce Education student who is enrolled in the Criminal Justice program at Green River. Jenny states that she has always wanted to be a police officer and was drawn to this program, which she describes as 'empowering'. She is very excited to start her new career in this field!

Hi Jenny, thanks for joining us on the blog.
What's it like being a student in the Criminal Justice degree program?

Jenny: Being a student in the Criminal Justice degree program is empowering. I have learned more about the Constitution and my rights as an American citizen. The Criminal Justice system has so many facets and I feel like I have just barely scratched the surface of its complexity. 

What lead you to pursue training in this particular field?

Jenny: I have always been interested in law enforcement and I used to want to be a police officer, so naturally I was drawn to this degree.

How has Workforce Education helped you achieve your goals?

Jenny:  Workforce Education has helped me achieve my goal in getting an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice by helping me pay for books as well as helping with tuition. I probably wouldn't have started school when I did without Workforce Education. The program gave me an opportunity to go to school even though I wasn't financially prepared to go and without that help I would not be one class away from getting my degree.


You have already graduated with an Associate degree in Arts this summer and now getting ready to graduate with your Associate of Applied Science degree--congrats! What are your future plans after Green River?

Jenny:    I would find a career at a corrections facility close to where I live I am hoping to find a career to help prepare inmates for life on the outside of the prison walls. I feel it's very important to help inmates make goals and find them programs that will help to stay out of jail to become a productive member of society.

Student Success: Misty Beardsley

Misty Beardsley,
Business Management grad

Today's success story features a brief Q and A with Misty Beardsley. Misty is a Workforce Education student enrolled in the Business Management program at Green River. This degree option allowed Misty to build on her experience in management, and also helped her acquire new skills.

She graduates this summer and can't wait to start a rewarding career. Misty's future plans might also include enrolling in Green River's brand new Bachelor of Applied Science program in Marketing and Entrepreneurship.

Hi Misty, thanks for joining us on the blog. What's it like being a student in the Business Management program at Green River?

Misty: The Business Management program has been amazing. I have great professors that truly care about my success and strive to help me reach my goals. I have been blessed in being able to participate in Green River's courses, and am so happy that I took this step in my life.

What lead you to pursue training in this particular field?

Misty: I have history in business management and to keep moving forward in my career, it just made sense to get my AAA degree in Business Management and to gain new skills, as well as solidify the old.

How has Workforce Education helped you achieve your goals?

Misty: Workforce Education has helped me by offering to help with tuition and books. Without which I would have struggled and probably would have been unable to complete my degree. I am thankful for all the people in the office that have helped me answer questions, or figure out what else I needed to do to complete my many quarters at Green River with success.

You graduate this summer--big congrats. What are your future plans after Green River?

Misty: Thank you! My future consists of finding a career that will utilize as well as challenge all the skills that I have to offer. I would like to find a stable position within a company that will allow growth and that I would be happy to be a part of. Who knows--Green River may see me back among students going for the new Bachelors degree in Marketing and Entrepreneurship!

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

Student Success Story: Melissa Curry

Future software developer Melissa
Curry, pictured above with her son

Today's success story features an inspirational Q and A with Melissa Curry. Melissa is a Workforce Education student who is enrolled in the IT Networking Degree program at Green River. After a job layoff, and as a mother, she decided more education was the only way to create a brighter future for her young son.

Two years later, Melissa is preparing to graduate this week with a degree in IT Networking. She is a first generation college student, and the first in her family to earn a college degree. Looking ahead, she plans to continue her education by enrolling in Green River's new Bachelor of Applied Science Degree program, with the goal of one day becoming a rockstar software developer. Check out her story below!

Hi Melissa, thanks for joining us on the blog. What's it like being a student in the Information Technology-Networking degree program?

Melissa: Being an IT student at Green River is definitely a privilege, and a challenge as well. We have the most amazing instructors. I have no doubt I will succeed in the field.

What lead you to pursue training in this particular field?

Melissa: My dream was to be a writer, but I put those dreams on hold when I ended up getting pregnant right out of high school. My goals changed, and I was more focused on making enough money to support my son and still be able to spend time with him. As a single mother, it wasn't easy. I was working a couple of jobs to make ends meet, and then got the opportunity to train to become a casino dealer. Working as a table games dealer provided me with a job that enabled me to work only four days a week, and make enough money to not have to struggle. I put off my goal of going back to school because the money was good, but when the economy took a change for the worse, the entertainment industry took a huge hit.

I had managed to survive eight years and several changes in management in the same casino, but I was eager to make a change. When I was terminated by the newest casino manager, I decided this was my chance. I needed to set an example for my son that an education is necessary and obtainable. While researching careers, I found that the technology industry is always looking for professionals, and many of our large IT companies have to outsource jobs to other countries because not enough people are qualified here. I decided IT Networking would be the industry I'd be more secure in. We will always have technology, and as it grows, professionals will always be in demand.

How has Workforce Education helped you achieve your goals?

Melissa: After losing my casino job, I was devastated. I had been a loyal employee for eight years. I applied for unemployment benefits and applied for several table games dealer positions. Summer is the slowest season in the casino industry, so it wasn't looking good. I was so scared, worried, and truly felt hopeless. As soon as I learned that I had the option of going to school, I was so excited. I immediately applied for enrollment at Green River and for federal financial aid. I was then informed that my financial aid wouldn't be processed in time for the start of the fall quarter. Thankfully, the Worker Retraining program stepped in and was able to cover my tuition for fall quarter so I was able to start working towards my goal of obtaining my AAS degree in IT Networking. The Worker Retraining program not only helped me get the wheels rolling and start school, but they made it possible for me to finish my degree.

Two years later, towards the end of the last quarter in my program, I realized that I needed two additional credits to complete my degree. After many conversations with my adviser, we added two credits retroactively. I was so relieved, but only briefly. I learned that I wouldn't be able to have those two final credits covered by financial aid. I had no way of covering the money needed to pay the tuition for the two credits, and I wouldn't be able to get my diploma. Although it wasn't a large amount of money owed, it was impossible for me to come up with the funds as I am a full-time student and single mother with a very limited resources. The Worker Retraining program came through for me yet again, and not only paid the money owed for my final two credits, but also covered the fee for my diploma! I am so thankful for the Worker Retraining program.

You're getting ready to graduate with your Associate of Applied Science degree--congrats! What are your future plans?

Melissa: My outlook on life has brightened more and more each day as of late. I am so proud to be able to show my young son how hard work will pay off, and to be the first member of my family to receive a college degree. I am not only getting my Associate of Applied Science degree, but I am also starting to work towards my Bachelors degree in Software Development! While studying in the IT Networking program, I discovered my love of coding / scripting. When I first realized I really enjoyed this part of IT, I was a bit discouraged because I felt like I had chosen the wrong pathway. I didn't want the last two years of all my hard work to be for nothing, and start all over towards a different degree. I also didn't want to start a career in something I didn't love. Then one of my instructors, Ken Hang, announced plans for a new Bachelor of Applied Science program in Software Development that was sort of a hybrid degree in Networking and Software Development. I am so excited to be one of the first students in the program, and can't wait to start my career!

Funding Tip! Three Workforce Education funding programs--BFET, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst--support IT pathways at Green River.

Student Success Story: Erik Young-Brown

When OTA graduate-to-be Erik Young-Brown isn't at a clinical or in class, he enjoys building birdhouses with his son, pictured above.

Today's success story features a Q and A with Erik Young-Brown. Erik is a Workforce Education student who is enrolled in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Green River. With a strong background in skilled nursing, Erik did some research, and determined OTA was a sold fit leading to a brighter future.

After completing all of his required pre-requisites, he applied for, and was accepted into, the hybrid OTA program, which meets part time in the evenings and blends online with face-to-face instruction. A flexible option like this allowed Erik to go to school, work full-time, and be an awesome dad to his children. Fast forward to 2014--he's now preparing to complete his Associate of Applied Science degree.

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

Erik: It is a lot of fun, but also a lot of work. I was part of the evening hybrid program and our cohort bonded easily and early, and we laughed and learned a lot with each other. The program has a lot of hands-on components where interaction, and working as a team, and role playing are required. It was very positive. The program is more rigorous than I anticipated and there is no shortage of assignments. Keeping up on homework and reading takes some discipline and more than a couple late nights, but it is very doable.

What lead you to pursue training in this particular field?

Erik: Originally I was thinking about nursing (like many others!) due to my background as a nursing assistant. But then my brother-in-law's wife, an Occupational Therapist, suggested I look into the OTA program. I realized that part of my skill set was assisting older people with their activities of daily living. This is a large component of occupational therapy. After doing a little research, I knew it was a great fit!

How has Workforce Education--specifically the BFET program--helped you achieve your goals?

Erik: Frankly, Workforce Education, specifically BFET, has been tremendous. While attending, I worked either full time or nearly full time until I got to the two Level Two Field Work quarters of the OTA program. Working provided me means to support my family on a tight budget, but paying for school would have been impossible. I took out some loans as well, but my BFET grant was the cornerstone of the venture.

You're getting ready to graduate with an AAS degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Congrats! What are your future plans after Green River?

Erik: Find a job! I am looking into staying in the area in the near term. My wife would like to further her education and career path and this area is well suited for that. I am open to many types of OT but my background is skilled nursing, so I may put more energy into those leads. My kids are either in school or nearly there, so I could even see myself working in peds. The nice thing about OT is there are many different types of work you can position yourself for.

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

Student Success Profile: Jaemi Bermudez

The future's bright for Jaemi Bermudez, Design Drafter

Today's success profile features a Q and A with Jaemi Bermudez. Jaemi is a Workforce Education student who is enrolled in the Design Drafting Technology program at Green River. She previously worked as a self-employed theater set designer but needed a more lucrative career path, so she decided to enroll in the Design Drafting Technology program in the Winter of 2013. A year and half later, Jaemi's preparing to graduate with a drafting degree and multiple drafting-related certificates. The future looks bright for this Green River grad! Check out the story of her success below.

Hi Jaemi, welcome to the blog. What's it like being a student in the Design Drafting Technology program at Green River?

Jaemi: It's very intense, but very rewarding. There are only two instructors for the program so planning your schedule is incredibly important. But they are there to help you succeed so you will not have a problem with that. The Design Drafting Technology degree is normally two years, but they helped me work on a schedule where I could graduate two quarters early! I was incredibly grateful for that. The work itself is tough, but interesting and fun, and all of your classmates are your future co-workers so you automatically have a network. The course also promotes the American Design Drafters Association's Green River Chapter. The work that you do, the friends that you make, and the skills that you learn all help you prepare for a career in drafting. You really do feel like you are part of a great learning community when you are in this course.

What factors lead you to pursue training in this field?

Jaemi: Before coming to Green River I was a set designer for theatre. Being self employed was all right, but unfortunately it wasn't helping pay the bills. I was in a string of small jobs for a long time, which burned me out. I really wanted something that I still enjoyed as much as theatre and used some of the same skills, but was more lucrative. My mom told me about the drafting program and I thought it might be a good fit. It involves a lot of AutoCAD and drawing skills, which I already had from my prior job and which I enjoyed, but it taught how to use those skills in more of an engineering capacity. Going into the drafting field seemed interesting enough for me to stay with it and offered steady work in places like Boeing, Red Dot, and other drafting or manufacturing companies, so I thought it was the way to go.

How has Workforce Education at Green River helped you reach your goals?

Jaemi: There would be no way that I would be able to meet my goals without Workforce Education. Through the BFET program, they were able to take care of my tuition so I had the means to go to school full-time. I wouldn't have been able to take any classes in my financial situation. The BFET program was a godsend. Also, everyone in their department was so helpful and accommodating. I was really grateful for that.

You're preparing to graduate with an AAS degree, along with four drafting-related certificates--congrats! What are your future plans after leaving Green River?

Jaemi: I already have a part time job with a great company called Convergint Technologies doing Fire Systems drafting and design.My hope is that they will take me on full time as soon as I graduate. But I also have leads with other companies and I have a lot of job options. Once I have more experience, I will start applying to jobs abroad and see if I can't make my dream of living in exotic places a reality :)

Funding Tip! Three Workforce Education funding programs--BFET, Worker Retraining, WorkFirst--support Design Drafting at Green River.

Student Success Profile: April Lazara

April Lazara, Practical Nurse

Today's student success profile features a Q and A with April Lazara. April is a Workforce Education student enrolled in the Practical Nursing program at Green River. She turned a job layoff into an opportunity to retrain for a new career. Now, after two years at Green River, she's about to make her dream of entering the medical field a reality. In our conversation below, April talks about her upcoming graduation, gives an inside look at the life of a nursing student, and discusses her plans for the future.

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

April: Thank you for having me! Being a student in the Practical Nursing program is incredibly hard, challenging, and rewarding all at the same time. The instructors are tough but extremely supportive and the cohort I am with has a positive, encouraging vibe. I have two young children, so making time to fit in all my classwork, studying, and family time keeps things interesting. The program itself is so interesting; each quarter we are visiting different clinical sites to practice the skills we have learned, which exposes us to many of the different areas LPN's can work. So far we have worked in skilled nursing facilities and even Western State, a psychiatric hospital in Steilacoom. In the next two quarters we will be working at urgent care clinics, surgical sites, schools, even Veteran's Hospital in Seattle. Also, the Practical Nursing program has a wonderful high-tech lab with simulation mannequins available for students to practice on. It's a little intimidating at first, but it's nicer practicing on an animated person where mistakes are more easily forgiven!

What factors lead you to pursue training in this particular field?

April: I was laid off from my job after 21 years of employment and decided a total career change was in order. I had always been interested in the medical field, but wasn't sure it would be the right choice for me. After taking some of the aptitude tests Green River offers, I was excited to see nursing as one of the top careers I was well suited for. I enjoy helping people, problem solving, and leadership opportunities, and am excited to work in a rewarding, ever-changing field. The medical field is one with a lot of demand; knowing there is great job security in nursing is an added bonus.

How has Workforce Education helped you achieve your goals?

April: When I first started receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits, I knew there were programs in place to allow me to go back to school. What I didn't anticipate was the volume of applications and navigation needed to get all the proper forms completed and submitted by the deadlines the state has set in place. The great staff at Workforce Education was instrumental in assisting me through all the phases and requirements to ensure I was specifically able to get into the Worker Retraining program. If not for the staff and the program itself, I would never have been able to afford the opportunity to change careers at this point in my life. Due to the Worker Retraining program, I can achieve something like this. It was unthinkable just a couple years ago, but now it's a dream come true.

Graduation's in sight. What are your plans after leaving Green River?

April: I am keeping my fingers crossed that Green River is able to get the BSN-RN program they have been working on for the past few years. I would love to continue my education and earn that degree from a college I already love and from instructors that I really look up to. In the meantime, I will most likely start working as an LPN to keep my skills sharp while gaining more experience and finishing the few RN pre-requisite classes I need to get into an RN program. Practical Nursing has many opportunities, but I really want to work in an OB (specifically labor and delivery), where being a Registered Nurse is a requirement.

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

Student Success Profile: Jillian Jimenez

Jillian Jimenez, Air Traffic Controller

Today's success profile features a brief Q and A with Jillian Jimenez. Jillian is a Workforce Education student who is enrolled in the Air Traffic Control program at Green River. A mother of two wonderful children, Jillian also works at nearby Crest Airpark in Kent, WA, assisting with the airport's day-to-day operations. A passion for aviation, along with excellent time management skills and a strong support network, have propelled her successfully through the Air Traffic Control program--she graduates next quarter! Check out her story below.

Hi Jillian, thanks for joining us on the blog. What's it like being a student in the Air Traffic Control program at Green River?

I love being a student in the Air Traffic Control program. The teachers are very thorough and have effective teaching styles that help me understand the material. Flying in the flight simulators also helps with the hands on learning, especially when we are learning about how to fly the airplane and how to use the instruments. When I first started school at Green River, I was five months pregnant with my daughter--a challenging but exciting time.

What made you decide to pursue training in this particular field?

My parents both worked for the FAA as Air Traffic Controllers over thirty years and they are both now retired. My mom was a tower controller and started her career when she enlisted in the Army in 1977. She worked at Kitzingen Tower in Kitzingen, Germany from 1978 to 1980; Campbell Tower in Fort Campbell, Kentucky from 1980 to 1981; Palomar Tower in Carlsbad, California from 1982 to 1984; Santa Monica Tower in Santa Monica, California from 1984 to 1989; and Los Angeles Tower in Los Angeles, California from 1989 to 2010. My dad worked at Los Angeles TRACON for five years; High Desert TRACON for three years; Flight Service for five years; and Regional Headquarters for nineteen years. Both my parents were very successful in their careers; as such, I felt very comfortable going into this field.

How has the Workforce Education department helped you towards completing your goals?

It's unfortunate when people have to put school on hold simply because of their finances, but Workforce Education helped me tremendously with being able to get my textbooks and being able to go to school full-time so that I could obtain my degree in the shortest time possible.

You already have a foot in the world of work. Can you tell us about your position at Crest Airport?

I am an office assistant at Crest Airpark in Kent, WA. I handle some accounting, minor maintenance on planes, give tests through systems called PSI and Lasergrade, dispatch flights, answer phones, check fuel, and perform tasks on the computer. I do a little bit of everything. I am just a small part of what makes the airport operate.

You're a working parent and a full-time college student--and incredibly successful at it all. What's your secret recipe for balancing so many different responsibilities?

It's hard but I try to manage my time in the best way possible. Sometimes it is difficult, but I do have a very supportive support team that helps me out with the kids so that I can focus on my studies. I am seriously blessed with all the support that I have!

Funding Tip! All four Workforce Education funding programs--BFET, Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst--support training in Air Traffic Control at Green River.