Rosalyn
Rosalyn (Rosie) enrolled in the Maine Township District 207 JumpStart Youth Program when she was a 16-year-old sophomore at Maine East High School. Rosie was found to be basic skills deficient and received Special Education services due to a disclosed disability. Rosie was also an English Language Learner who received free lunch at school and had never worked. Early on, Rosie shared her career goals with her Career Advisor, who helped Rosie set objectives to help her reach her goal of becoming a nurse. Rosie was provided with a Paid Work Experience (PWE) in the Food and Nutrition Department at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. This experience provided Rosie with her first employment opportunity, and helped Rosie develop her work readiness skills. Since Rosie has a strong interest in the medical field, the PWE also provided Rosie with valuable exposure to the industry. As a result of her PWE, the Food and Nutrition Department offered her a permanent position. Rosie excelled in her role and was soon promoted to a Hostess position.
During this time, her Career Advisor helped Rosie apply to a Certified Nursing Assistant program. With financial support services from JumpStart, Rosie earned a credential when she completed the program and received her CNA license. Because she is now certified, Rosie applied to new departments in the hospital. In June 2023, Rosie was hired as a Nursing Assistant at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. She is currently employed in the Neurology/Stroke Unit and is enjoying her new role.
With the services provided by JumpStart, Rosie overcame several challenges. While she completed her last semester of traditional high school, Rosie also enrolled in an evening high school program to earn additional credits. With the support of her Career Advisor and Tutoring Services, she was able to achieve success while attending both day and night school twice per week!
Rosie has been provided with resume and job search assistance, career development, job readiness training, leadership development, post-secondary education preparation, incentives and various financial support services (school fees, tuition reimbursement, medical, uniform etc.) to help her succeed. She has worked closely with her Career Advisor to set specific and attainable objectives and has completed them in a timely and professional manner. Rosie’s work ethic, diligence and empathy towards her patients make her a role model for others.
In addition to her career accomplishments, Rosie earned a credential, graduating from Maine East High School in December 2022. With her Career Advisor’s assistance, she enrolled in Oakton College for the Spring term of 2023. Rosie excels in her classes and has plans to apply to Oakton’s nursing program. This degree will allow Rosie to further advance her career within the medical field, while providing exceedingly quality care to her patients. Rosie looks forward to continuing to learn and grow in her current role, while achieving successful academic results to help her advance her career. We wish Rosie continued success and all the best in her future endeavors!