Julie
Julie has been an exemplary participant in the WADI WIOA Program. She has shown a dedication to succeeding and is an example to others that obstacles can be overcome to achieve success. Julie has taken on the role of providing for her family as her son and husband are both disabled. She currently works two jobs as well as having just completed her Pharmacy Technician Program.
Julie started working at O’Gara House through Coleman Tri-County Services as a Direct Support Professional in 2016. She realized as she grew older that she would not be able to do this type of strenuous work for much longer, and had to find a job that would both support her family as well as being a position that she could maintain. She looked at the available college classes and decided that becoming a Pharmacy Technician would be interesting. Julie registered for the class, applied for the Fresh Start Scholarship at SIC, and was accepted. This scholarship paid a good part of her tuition, but not all. Julie’s college advisor suggested that she contact the WADI WIOA program. The WIOA program was able to pay the remainder of her tuition as well as her textbook, which was necessary for her class. She worked with her Career Planner throughout the process and always provided updates on her progress. Julie said, “I thoroughly enjoyed Pharmacy Tech Class! Math was the most difficult for me, as I only had one year of high school Math. I finished with an “A” and got a perfect score on my final.”
One of the requirements of the class was a 40-hour internship at a local Pharmacy of her choice. Julie was accepted at Walgreens in Harrisburg, Illinois. At the end of her internship, Julie was approached by the store manager and was offered a leadership position at the store, which required a Pharmacy Technician License and Certification within two years. She took the position and is pursuing her Pharmacy Certification. Julie stated that, “It’s a very interesting job. I love it and the people I work with!” She will receive a $1.00 per hour raise as soon as she receives her Certification. Julie also continues to work at O’Gara House as her Walgreen’s schedule permits.
Julie is rightfully very proud of her accomplishments. As Julie’s Career Planner, I am very proud of her success. She has had a full plate working two jobs and completing the program. Julie does not drive so she depends on her husband to get her to work and class. I feel that this shows even more determination on her part as she has managed to find a way to reach her goals despite having to rely on someone for transportation. Julie is successful at anything that she puts her mind to and has become more confident over the last few months.