The Right Time for a New Career

Before coming to GST Michigan Works!, Autumn had applied for a job that required proof of a high school diploma. When she contacted her high school in Florida to request a copy, she was surprised to learn that she had not actually earned a high school diploma. Instead, she had received a certificate of completion.

Although the news was discouraging, Autumn turned the setback into motivation. Wanting to set a positive example for her children and show them the importance of education, she decided to earn her GED. After meeting with Tammy from Family Literacy only a handful of times, Autumn successfully passed all the required tests and earned her GED.

Determined to continue building a better future, Autumn decided to return to the medical field. With assistance from GST Michigan Works!, she completed a WIOA application and enrolled in the online Clinical Medical Assistant program through Stepful. The online format allowed her to balance her education while caring for her children at home. Through a partnership between Stepful and Tuscola Technology Center, she completed her classroom instruction online and fulfilled her required externship hours through Tuscola Tech Center.

The journey wasn’t without challenges, but Autumn remained determined and successfully completed the program on April 10, 2026. She went on to pass her NHA certification exam and began full-time employment with Aspire Rural Health/Hills & Dales Hospital on June 24, 2026.

Today, Autumn is earning $1.50 more per hour than she did in her previous position while working a Monday through Friday schedule. Her new career not only allows her to do work she enjoys but also gives her evenings and weekends to spend with her family, a goal that was just as important to her as advancing her career.