Jolena
Several years ago, Jolena first learned about the WIOA program for Youth from her mother who had previously participated in the WIOA program. Upon graduating high school, Jolena was unsure of her career direction. She had completed her C.N.A. through Vocational Tech at her high school and decided to look for full-time employment instead of participating in the program at that time. However, in the Fall of 2017, Jolena returned for assistance because she was now a single parent of two young children. Jolena’s goal was to reach self-sufficiency by becoming a registered nurse since she was living below the poverty level and on food stamps.
Her tenacity to move forward in order to provide a sufficient income to raise her children could be seen in her willingness to complete tasks timely and accurately along with having a positive attitude. Jolena had been accepted into the nursing program at Olney Central College for the Fall 2017. Jolena stated she wanted to do her late grandmother proud, for not only had Jolena’s mother successfully completed her WIOA training, Jolena’s grandmother had also been a prior participant and graduated with a nursing degree. But then, in the summer of her first year of the nursing program, one of her sons became gravely ill. Jolena was needed at his bedside through discovery, diagnosis and health treatment plan. Jolena was able to complete her Licensed Practical Nurse Certificate, but could not continue to finish her degree and licensure for Registered Nurse. She was needed away from home for a long hospital stay for her son’s treatment and recovery. Jolena’s decision to be there for her son and opt out of returning to school was a major life decision she was confronted with as a single parent.
Nonetheless, having full support of those around her, Jolena never gave up on her summer term for her LPN exit. She studied in the midst of spending days and nights away from home, including working as much as possible as well as organizing and attending fundraisers. She provided excellent care to her son and her family, and continued to help residents in the nursing home where she worked, all the while never giving up on becoming a registered nurse.
Today, Jolena works two jobs, one full-time and one part-time. She works as an assistant medical technician full-time using her LPN skills in an occupational health setting administering pulmonary tests. In addition, Jolena continues to work part-time as an LPN at a nursing home, where she delights in her daily doses of geriatric care. Jolena will bring a strength and tenacity to her future from the experiences of caring for her son, her family and others. She will be attending OCC in the fall to finish her Associate in Applied Science Degree and obtain her license as an RN. Jolena remains an inspiration to many, all while exuding positivity and hope. The WIOA program shows people how to help themselves and in this case, across multiple generations.