Schenectady, NY
Like many single mothers, financial decisions put a burden on Abbie as she pursued her dream of returning to school to provide for her family.
Taking care of family, school work, and finances is a balancing act for a first-generation college student. This hard work is cushioned by a safety net of support at Schenectady County Community College.
Abbie was completing the courses needed to apply to the Radiologic Technician program at Schenectady while working grueling hours for little pay. She got into the Radiological Technician program based on her strong academic performance, but then had to choose between furthering her education or caring for her young son. If she stayed in school, she would have to cut her hours as Direct Support Coordinator at a local healthcare facility. The weight of this decision almost threw her off her path.
The HPOG program, Upstate Partnership for Healthcare Pathways (UPHP) , stepped in to change her life forever. “I suddenly felt relieved. If HPOG could take away some of the financial burdens, that meant it was possible after all.”
She entered the program with a high grade point average and several letters of recommendation, but her elation rapidly turned to fear. She questioned how the pieces were going to fall into place. Would she have access to transportation, childcare, textbooks, and materials? Would the price of school cost her the future in healthcare and stability she always wanted?
She soon learned that UPHP’S assistance extended far beyond the classroom. When clinical placement and class hours changed, HPOG staff helped Abbie find transportation and daycare that met her shifting needs. They also made sure she never had to choose between providing school supplies for herself or her young son.
Abbie graduated in the Spring of 2018 on the Dean’s list with an associate degree. She also received a Radiologic Technician certification with honors. She was the class speaker at the ceremony where she received the Ken Simek award. This award is given to graduates in nursing and radiological technology who exemplify excellent patient care, passion for their profession, and willingness to help others.
Because of her outstanding academic performance and commitment, Abbie was offered jobs with three local employers. She is now a full-time Radiologic Technician at orthoNY, and she also has an on-call position at Nathan Littauer Hospital.
Abbie attributes her success to her family, her tight-knit program, “having a good work ethic,” and the HPOG grant.
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