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.