One Step At A Time

In 2012, Terrie received tuition assistance from GST Michigan Works! to become a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA). Terrie has maintained her certification and has worked at Sanilac Medical Care Facility for ten years. She loves being a Certified Nurse Aide but wants to do more for her patients.

One day, Terrie just decided it was time to go for it! It was time to take the next step in her career and become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She knew it would be a challenge to balance work and being a single parent to three sons, but it was time.

After researching the LPN program at St. Clair County Community College, she was excited to get started. She registered for classes and applied for all the available financial aid. Terrie quickly realized she would need more financial assistance. During her lunch break at work, she was talking to a coworker who was pursuing the same certification, and it was suggested that she check whether she would qualify for assistance through GST Michigan Works! She thought, “Why not?”

She called the local office in Sandusky and requested a career coaching appointment to discuss her options. Terrie met with Career Coach Cindy, and they discussed her career plans and employment goals. Since she had already received financial assistance for her CNA, she needed to request assistance a second time. Because she was upskilling within the same career path, her request was approved.

Today, Terrie is a Licensed Practical Nurse. Her employer, Sanilac Medical Care Facility, moved her into one of their open LPN positions. Her wage increase was significant, making the time, hard work, and sacrifice worth it. In addition to the wage increase, she gets to make a difference in her patients’ lives, offering compassion and care.