Danielle
Danielle, age 22, was unable to find a good paying job through career services alone when she first came to us for assistance. She was underemployed — averaging 20-22 hours per week as a cashier earning $17.00 per hour. In the 24 months prior to her training, her part-time employment with Orpheum Theatre also ended more than once due to COVID.
Danielle had been struggling financially and decided to enroll in the Dental Hygiene program at Lake Land College. She wanted to increase her skills so she could earn a higher wage in an “in-demand” occupation to better support herself.
Danielle wanted to be a Dental Hygienist because she had always “loved going to the dentist and talking to them about teeth.” She wanted to be able to help people feel confident in their smile.
Danielle’s commute was 118.8 miles round trip between her home in Taylorville to Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois, each day. Lake Land is the only Dental Hygiene program in the region. She was also very grateful for the transportation assistance she received. Without it, there was no way she could carry the burden with high gas prices.
Danielle’s perseverance, dedication, and countless journeys all the way to campus have finally paid off. She graduated with her degree on May 6, 2024, and became a licensed Dental Hygienist on May 28, 2024. During this brief period of time, she also immediately secured training-related employment with 21st Century Dental earning $40.29 per hour.