San Antonio, Texas
Stephanie now looks at obstacles as opportunities thanks to Alamo Colleges HPOG.
At the encouragement of her grandmother, Stephanie found her way to the Eastside Education & Training Center (EETC) in San Antonio, Texas.
Stephanie, a single mother, was working at a call center, making only $9.50 an hour in an unfulfilling job. It was difficult for her to support her two children. After attending an HPOG information session at EETC, Stephanie realized not only did she have the support of her grandparents, but of an entire community. She could finally pursue her dream of entering the healthcare field thanks to HPOG.
Stephanie joined the Alamo Colleges HPOG Certified Nurse’s Aide Training program in September 2017, and graduated the following January. It was a full course load, and she faced many obstacles. During her externship at Windmere Nursing Home in October 2017, she began to doubt her ability to do the job properly. Her HPOG case manager was there to build her back up.
A newly confident Stephanie was motivated to continue and improve her medical career. She got a job at Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital as a Surgical Aide making $10.35/hour in December 2017, just four months after starting her journey with HPOG. She quickly cross-trained as a Sterile Processing Technician I, earning a pay increase to $13.25 an hour. Christus Santa Rosa is paying for her Sterile Processing Technician II certification. She will complete this program over the summer, which will give her the opportunity for a promotion and pay raise.
Stephanie is growing at work and home. Her positive attitude drives her to succeed. Reaching these milestones was a collective effort, requiring the support of family, HPOG staff, and Alamo Colleges HPOG partners at the Eastside Education and Training Center.
“It’s amazing what hope can do; it is never too late to accomplish your dreams, there will be challenges, but never give up on your dreams.”
Files
- PDF HPOG Stephanie at Alamo Colleges (131.92 KB)