Alexia Boston was determined to create a life she loved for herself and her two children. She dreamed of going to college after high school and becoming a doctor, but life didn’t work out as she expected.
After years of working part-time retail jobs to make ends meet for her family, Alexia felt her dreams slipping away. Alexia’s cousin recommended looking into career training and educational opportunities at Job Corps. Alexia explored her options and decided to enroll in Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center’s Certified Nurse Assistant and Clinical Medical Assistant training areas.
Pursuing two training areas was a lot to balance as a single parent, but Alexia didn’t stop there. She earned college credits while enrolled in Job Corps through Metropolitan Community College–Penn Valley and got involved in her center’s Student Government Association. She worked her way up to president and was in charge of organizing meetings, planning events and finding ways to give back to students.
Alexia’s family and support system at home helped take care of her children while she worked valiantly for their futures at Job Corps. This enabled Alexia to focus solely on her career and the brighter future she was building for her family.
Alexia enjoyed exploring her training area off-campus through work-based learning experiences, including job shadowing at Good Samaritan Care Clinic in Mountain View, Mo., an externship at University of Central Missouri, and a medication aide and patient care technician position at St. Joseph Medical Center.
Alexia graduated in 2014 with both the CMA and CNA certifications and lots of additional experience, including her work-based learning experiences, and EKG and phlebotomy credentials she earned through University of Central Missouri while enrolled at Job Corps.
Alexia now serves as a phlebotomist at Lee’s Summit Medical Center and is working toward earning her associate degree in biology. She then plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology and pre-medical education at University of Missouri.
On top of all her health care career goals and continuing to raise her two children, Alexia is writing a book and preparing to open a food truck, “Lexi’s Tacos.”
“I can’t count how many tacos I’ve made over the past two years, just as a hobby. I love cooking for co-workers, family and friends; but now people are spreading the word and asking me to make it real. Trying to juggle it all is a lot, but I love it.”
In 10 years, Alexia hopes to be a pediatric oncologist, have a book on The New York Times Best Seller list and fully develop Lexi’s Tacos into a restaurant.
As Job Corps students consider enrolling, Alexia recommends they focus on their end game.
“You have a year or two to make the most of it. Get as much help from your instructors and advisors as you can to advance your career. Meet lots of people and build a community because they genuinely want to invest in your life and career.”
Graduated from Job Corps in: 2014 Employer: Phlebotomist, Lee’s Summit Medical Center, Lee’s Summit, Missouri Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri Phone: 913-804-5743 Email: alexia.n.scott@gmail.com Submitted by: Lydia Henry Notes:
Source: Sean Roberts, Business Community Liaison, Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center, office: (816) 629-3160, cell: (816) 508-9254