“I see myself being the best nurse at a hospital in North Carolina,” Ashley said as she reflected on her goals from her New York City apartment.
Ashley grew up in Long Island, N.Y., and dreams of getting away from the chaos of the city. Job Corps was the first step in Ashley’s journey to making this change and becoming a nurse.
Ashley initially attended college for a year after high school but had to leave due to personal reasons. She didn’t know her next move; but after speaking with a family friend, she discovered Job Corps. After learning specifically about Glenmont Job Corps, Ashley had hope and excitement that she could work toward her dream of becoming a nurse. It was time, and she enrolled.
Ashley began training in 2019 and faced a challenge: COVID-19.
“When the pandemic first hit, it was a challenge to go home because I had to hold on achieving my goals.”
Ashley didn’t know what was in store for her, and it was difficult to leave campus. She feared she would not finish what she started.
However, once she arrived back on campus, she thrived. Ashley was the secretary for the Student Government Association (SGA), and she encouraged, helped and uplifted students through her work on the board. She had opportunities to plan events and facilitate student/faculty relations, to ensure that students’ voices were being heard.
Ashley completed the Medical Administrative Assistant (MAA) program in one year. Job Corps exceeded her expectations because she received experiences she would never have had if it weren’t for Job Corps. She furthered her education with the Genesis Medical Training Center in Elmhurst to obtain her certification in phlebotomy and continues to succeed.
“I went there just for the MAA program, but I left with credentials I didn’t expect to receive.”
Graduated from Job Corps in: October, 2021 Hometown: Long Island, New York Phone: 516-450-7722 Email: prettyashley1256@gmail.com Submitted by: Grace Reed Notes:
Source: Erin G. Ferguson, Center Director, ferguson.erin@jobcorps.org