Stephanie
Stephanie was eligible for WIOA assistance through our program for “Out-of-School” youth. At the age of 21, she enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing program at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, graduating with Honors and passing her board exams to become a Licensed Registered Nurse. Two-weeks later, Stephanie moved to Springfield, Illinois where she began working in the Cardiac ICU at Memorial Medical Center.
There was very little “down time” in this exceptionally rigorous program, and Stephanie’s experience was even more demanding. She worked for 24 hours per week as a medical scribe, then for 36 hours per week after being promoted to a supervisory position.
She provided the only income for her family due to her husband’s hearing loss disability. Stephanie, who also suffered from hearing loss, had hurdles of her own to overcome throughout her training. Although we were able to purchase an excellent stethoscope for Stephanie, she needed an upgrade that was very expensive. After a medical evaluation, IDHS: Division of Rehabilitation Services purchased an appropriate stethoscope that helped Stephanie to successfully complete her program.
Stephanie excelled at school, was a model WIOA customer, and a financial wizard at living on a very limited income. Nevertheless, she voluntarily attended an “All My Money” financial literacy class sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension Center, and The Jamieson Center in Monmouth. As she said, “You can always pick up some valuable hints!”
At her pinning ceremony, Stephanie received an award for Outstanding Student Performance and Leadership. She achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.621, and had a job waiting for her after graduation.