Seattle, WA
When inspiration works in concert with motivation, anything is possible.
Andrea Galicia is proof of that. Through inspired living, she overcame personal, professional, and academic setbacks and forged a career for herself in the healthcare field.
Andrea is an example of how HPOG-funded programs can serve as the connective tissue between willingness and work.
In 2012, Andrea was a single mother working as a Medical Assistant at Seattle’s Country Doctor community health clinic when she decided that she was ready for a new direction. “I have watched the devotion and professional strengths of those here at Country Doctor,” she says, “and that stirs me to constantly reach and improve. When I see patients who need help, and work next to professionals who provide that help, it inspires me.”
That inspiration led Andrea to apply for admission to the 3-1/2 year nursing cohort at North Seattle College through the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County’s Health Careers for All (HCA) project funded under HPOG. After completing challenging pre-requisite coursework, Andrea began the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) portion of her training in 2014. However, as she struggled to find the right balance of work, school, and family life, Andrea ran into academic issues, which put a halt to her progress in becoming a LPN. Further complicating matters, circumstances necessitated a move out of her parents’ home, throwing Andrea’s life into upheaval. As she battled with bouts of anxiety and uncertainty, Andrea kept alive the dream of returning to North Seattle College, where she would have to restart her journey to becoming an LPN.
Ultimately, Andrea was able to get readmitted to North Seattle College. She recognizes this achievement would not have been possible without the people nearest and dearest to her. “I am very fortunate to have a supportive family and many relatives and friends who are willing to help me with the transition of balancing school and family,” explains Andrea. With a new lease on academic life, Andrea jumped back into the LPN program while continuing to work at Country Doctor to support her family.
In November 2015, she marked a major milestone, and took on a new challenge, by passing her LPN licensing exam, while also beginning the LPN-to-RN ladder program in the fall quarter of 2015.
But, with three quarters still remaining before she was scheduled to complete her RN degree, the HCA project was coming to a close, and Andrea’s academic future seemed uncertain. Once again she rose to the challenge, fighting to honor all her commitments, getting extra tutorial help at school, and relying on family, friends, and the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County. The Council and its partners worked closely with Andrea to ensure she stayed on track. Andrea headed toward the academic finish line thanks to financial and logistical support of the Workforce Development Council’s HPOG 2.0 project, Health Workforce for the Future.
Andrea’s dream of becoming a Registered Nurse was achieved when she graduated in June 2016 and passed her RN licensing exam in September. The community that inspired and supported Andrea is now set to benefit from her perseverance and engagement with the HPOG program.
“I am dedicated to putting all my efforts and energy in giving back to the community that has taught me so much. It is my passion to do this.”