Student Success Profile: Genie Loteria

Today's post spotlights the inspirational story of Genie Loteria. Genie is a Workforce Education student who is pursuing Business Education training at Green River. She is nearing completion of multiple certificates in her field of study. In spite of the obstacles, Genie pressed forward and made her dreams become a reality. Check out the story of her success below! Like Genie says, you can do anything you put your mind to.

Hi Genie. Thanks so much for joining us on the blog. Can you tell us what you're studying at Green River?

Genie: I am under the Business Education Certificate Program at Green River. I am currently on my final quarter, taking up Records Management to earn my final certificate for File Clerk. I have already finished and earned three certificates, namely: Accounting Clerk, Data Entry, and Office Support. 

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

Genie: When I immigrated here from the Philippines, I had planned to rejoin the workforce as an accounting or administrative assistant. However, I found it difficult to find a job because of my lack of experience here in the U.S., as well as necessary training in computers and current business practices. I realized that in order for me to be able to work in the fields I am interested in, I needed to take the necessary steps to equip myself with computer skills, as well as brush up on business and accounting skills and knowledge, so I decided that going back to school would give me what I needed. Workforce Education at Green River was VERY instrumental in allowing me to go back to school, and I'm very grateful for all the assistance I received and continue to receive.

You're getting ready to graduate with multiple certificates. Congrats! What types of jobs will you be applying for after graduation?

Genie: Thank you. I really would like to start a career in accounting, particularly payroll, so I will be applying for accounting assistant, payroll assistant, or administrative assistant types of positions.

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

Genie: My advice for them is to move forward with obtaining a good education despite the difficulties. I am in my early sixties, new to the country, and have a medical condition that made it difficult for me to hear, and I really thought I wouldn't be able to go back to school, but I have persevered and now I am almost done. I have gained the necessary skills I need to pursue a career that I want and most importantly, I have gained confidence in myself that I can do anything I set my mind to.

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

     

Student Success Profile: Michelle Parrott

Today's Student Success Profile features a brief Q and A with Michelle Parrott. Michelle is a Workforce Education student who is enrolled in one of Green River's most popular (and competitive) programs: Physical Therapist Assistant. In the post below, she provides an insightful take on what it means to be a PTA student.

Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us on the blog. To start, what's it like being a student in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Green River?

Michelle: I love being a student in the PTA program here at Green River. The professors are amazing and the program is constantly evolving to keep up with the growing field. We cover so much in a two year time period. I feel much more prepared for the real world than I did with my original Bachelor's degree. We also spend so much time together as a cohort, it's like one big family. I am very happy that I made the decision to go back to school. This is a great program!

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

Michelle: My original degree was in Exercise Science, specializing in corporate fitness. Unfortunately I was never able to find a job in the field. Since then, I had several long term office jobs, but was never really happy with my career. When the last company I worked for went out of business, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to go back to school in the a field similar to my original degree. My neighbor had also graduated from this program several years ago, and loves the field.

What advice would you have for new students who are thinking about pursuing a similar degree?

Michelle: First of all, it's important to remember that it's never too late to go back to school. We have an age range from 19-60+ years of age in our program. Also, the Worker Retraining program at Green River helped so much in allowing me to back to school, so I would look into that funding program, as well as other funding programs offered through Workforce Education. The PTA program accepts only 32 students per year, so it's important to stand out. The application only asks for 20 hours of volunteer work as a requirement to apply, but I would do as many hours as you can. I would also suggest volunteering in several different types of Physical Therapy settings. It's a tough program regardless of your background, so I would be prepared to work no more than 20 hours per week outside of class, if that. A strong background in anatomy helps too!

$$$ Update! All four Workforce Education programs - BFET, Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst - support Physical Therapist Assistant training at Green River.  

Student Success Profile: Jason Gresham

Today's Student Success Profile features a brief Q and A Jason Gresham. Jason is a Workforce Education student enrolled in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Green River. In the post below, he shares his inspirational story of new beginnings.

Hi Jason, thanks for joining us on the blog. To start, what's it like being a student in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Green River?

Jason: Being in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Green River Community College is hands down the best opportunity I have had for not only me, but my family as well. The instructors and students are both hard-working and friendly. It is a good thing to be striving for success along with others that want the same for themselves.

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

Jason: I would say that before I decided to pursue this field of study, I was first given an opportunity that was bittersweet. I say this because I was laid off from my full-time drywall position of ten years in 2010. When I lost my job and heard about Workforce Education, I realized I could work on starting a new beginning. This was the sweet part because I never wanted to do drywall for the rest of my life anyways.

The last couple of years before I was laid off, I honestly spent a lot of thought on the idea that even though I was providing for my family, I was not happy with what I was doing. It really became a conflict of identity for me because I've always thought that if you have to do something everyday, it would be nice it it was spent doing something meaningful. Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of respect for all of the hard-working, blue collar men and women and the jobs that get things done, but for me I needed something else.

When I learned about Workforce Education and what amazing opportunities they were helping to give, I was all in! I knew that it would require dedication and was ready to go for it. Green River's Occupational Therapy Assistant Program was a good fit for me because I wanted to help people, and I also wanted to help them with a lot of things and activities most of us take for granted. This is to me one of the big differences that the OTA Program here at Green River provides. 

What advice would you have for new students who are thinking about pursuing a similar degree?

Jason: If I had any advice to give a person that is looking to get into a similar field or any field for that matter, I would say to go after what you care about most and not what will pay you the most, and down the line you might just get both if you work hard and keep your eye on the prize. Another thing to remember when pursuing any field of study, is that you probably don't truly know all of your options for every step of the process. This is where organizations like Workforce Education is a phenomenal help and guide. They can help you talk to the right people and navigate your path to success. Always think about asking the right questions and never give up!

$$$ Funding Tip! All four Workforce Education funding programs - BFET, Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst - support the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Green River.