Turning Passion into a Career

Brionna, a recent high school graduate, faced the common challenge of not knowing which career path to pursue. However, she did know one thing: she wanted to work with children. At the time, she was employed at a local retail store but found the work unfulfilling. That changed when an exciting opportunity arose with Owosso Public Schools (OPS) for a Paraprofessional role. As a long-standing partner of GST Michigan Works!, OPS recommended that Brionna seek career guidance from GST Michigan Works!.

On August 11, 2023, Brionna visited the Shiawassee Service Center and enrolled in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates programs. After career exploration and discussions with her career coach, it was determined that she would be an ideal candidate for the Paraprofessional position. To support her transition, GST Michigan Works! arranged an On-the-Job (OJT) training opportunity at OPS.

Brionna began her OJT on August 21, 2023, working 35 hours per week while continuing her weekend shifts in retail. She successfully completed her OJT on October 6, 2023. As her responsibilities grew, so did her enthusiasm for working directly with children. This passion motivated her to explore other career paths within the field.

In March 2024, Brionna decided to take the next step in her career journey. She transitioned from her position at OPS to accept a new role with Mercy Plus as a Behavior Technician. Starting on March 18, she began working 25-30 hours per week, earning an additional $4.00 per hour. In her new role, Brionna discovered a deep passion for helping children with disabilities overcome daily challenges.

Over the summer, she chose to leave her retail position to fully commit to her career at Mercy Plus. During this time, she also earned certifications in CPR, Crisis Prevention Training, and Safe Crisis Management (QBS). Now she is eager to advance further in the field and is considering pursuing certification as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).

Brionna’s story is a testament to how passion, paired with the right opportunities and support, can lead to a fulfilling career. Her journey from uncertainty to a specialized role demonstrates the power of guidance and career development in shaping a successful future.