jodi"My experience at L’École Culinaire was so life-changing for me. Before I enrolled, I was agoraphobic;I was reluctant to go out in public for fear of being judged wherever I went. I even dropped out ofhigh school because of my condition, and depression set in once I realized that this would prevent mefrom leading a normal life and pursuing an education like the rest of my peers. My mother was theperson who convinced me to inquire about a degree in culinary arts because of my lifelong love forfood and cooking."It took a lot of nerve on my part, but eventually I toured L’École’s facilities. Seeing the other studentsand knowing that they too were passionate about cooking made me feel more comfortable. After Istarted school, it wasn’t long before I felt a great sense of camaraderie among my fellow classmates.Not only did I feel comfortable around the people at L’École, I also felt comfortable with myself forthe first time in my life. I had finally found something that I could excel at! I went from being a highschool dropout to being an overachieving A+ student."In the spring of 2008, I graduated at the top of my class. I also did something that I never couldhave done without my experience at L’École. I stood up before hundreds of people and gave my class’sgraduation speech. My agoraphobia is nothing more than a memory since attending L’École. I gainedenduring friendships, a ton of knowledge and enough confidence to last a lifetime." ◄Jodi WernerL’École Culinaire"I went to work for Concorde Career College in Kansas City notknowing very much about the school. I had spent a few years at abig university and didn’t know how I would adjust to such a smallschool. However, everyone at Concorde took me in and showedme that career colleges could compete with the 'big dogs' with thequality of education and experience they provided."After my daughter was born with a complex heart defect thatrequired open heart surgery, I decided to return to school atConcorde to pursue a career in respiratory therapy. I wanted tohelp families coping with sick loved ones and show them thatsomeone cared. Compassion is important in the healthcare field,and I knew I had the caring personality that would help me withmy future career."It wasn’t always easy to stick to my schoolwork with a sick babyat home, but I still graduated with a 4.0. During school, I ledmy program’s quiz bowl team to a 4th place finish at the statecompetition, where we beat out a larger university. I was a goodstudent, but I know I wouldn’t have been able to do it if it wasn’tfor my amazing instructors who believed in me and taught methe valuable information I needed to succeed. After graduation,I moved to Massachusetts with my husband and daughter whereI found not one, but two jobs in Boston. Today I work in theintensive care unit, emergency room, pediatrics unit and neonatalintensive care unit. I am able to hold my own, even consultingHarvard-educated doctors. I have had the opportunity to treatpatients from infants to those in their 100s! No one ever said goingback to school would be easy, but at Concorde Career CollegeI received everything I needed to be an excellent respiratorytherapist who could find a job anywhere in the country." ◄AshleyConcorde Career CollegeRespiratory Therapy WHAT'S AT RISK? | 34ashleyMike Sparks was born with a physical abnormality that interferedwith his abilities to do the things that seem commonplace formost people. Eventually it forced him to have his leg amputatedabove the knee, and the very same condition also prevented theamputation from healing completely.Mike was determined to accomplish his goals without havinghis disability get in the way. He was driven and determinedto succeed. He always had a very positive attitude, nevercomplaining about his disability or the difficulties it caused.Mike has an amazing work ethic that he puts to use in theclassroom, at his job and in his entire life.In May 2005, he graduated from Crawford County VocationalSchool with a Certificate in Residential Wiring. In 2007, Mikebegan working as a product inspector for Multi-Plastics Inc.,located in Saegertown, Pa.In February of 2008, Mike enrolled in the Mechanical ComputerAided Drafting & Design Technology program at Triangle Tech.Mike graduated from the Erie campus as top academic studentin his major. After a competitive job search, Mike was hired bythe Zurn Corporation located in Erie, Pa. ◄mikeMike SparksTriangle TechMechanical CADD Technology
overcomingadversitylindaAfterEarly in his primary school years, elementary school officials told EricMcBride’s parents that he would probably never graduate high school becauseof a learning disability. His parents did not agree. Not only did Eric graduatefrom high school, but he went on to graduate from Brown Mackie College –Michigan City in 2009 with a degree in Criminal Justice.Eric looks back and remembers his older brother being an “A” student inthe gifted and talented program while in high school. But Eric's parentsnever pushed him to do the same. “They believed in me, supported me,and appreciated each of their sons for exactly who they were,” he said. Ericproved his commitment to overcoming a learning disability by enrolling inthe Criminal Justice program at Brown Mackie College – Michigan City.“The college gave me the right environment for my style of learning,” Ericsaid. "The one-class-a-month schedule definitely helped. I am thoroughlyimpressed with Brown Mackie College – Michigan City, and I trulyappreciate the guidance from the faculty. I always felt Jim Cheslek, theschool’s Legal Department Chair, believed in me even when I didn't believein myself. Jim now serves as Dean of Academic Affairs at Brown MackieCollege – Albuquerque.”Linda LeeSpecs Howard Schoolworking 10 years on the assemblyline at Michigan Truck Plant, Lindadeveloped permanent nerve damage inboth of her hands. In 1994, througha workman’s compensation retrainingprogram, Linda decided to attend SpecsHoward School to utilize her “gift forgab” to become a disc jockey.Linda set her sights on working for herfavorite radio station, WYCD. In Julyof 1995, her dream was realized, and shewas hired on as a full-time employee. Ascohost of the "Edwards & Lee Show,"Linda loves her job just as much today asthe day she started 10 years ago.“I had to learn how to ignore the'doomsayers' – those who said it wouldnever happen. I still believe that if youwork hard, set your goals high, andtruly believe in yourself, all things arepossible!” Linda said. ◄Prior to enrolling, Eric worked as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at anursing home near the campus. One day on a whim, he stopped by thecollege to look around. “Twenty minutes into the tour, I registered forclasses,” he said.Eric worked nights and attended classes during the day. He arranged for anexternship at the Dorothy Crowley Juvenile Detention Center in LaPorte,Ind., and was hired by the facility shortly after graduation. He works part timeat the center as a Youth Service Worker. Walking young offenders through theintake process and administering a required test are his duties. “My goal is towork with troubled youth as a probation officer or counselor,” he said.Eric also works part time for Help at Home, a Michigan City company thatprovides healthcare to people in poor health who live at home. It is a role heknows well from his experience in caring for his grandmother, who moved inwith his family when she became ill. “I left the nursing home and helped herout as much as I could,” Eric said. “She passed away on New Year’s Day, andI’m glad I spent time with her.” ◄ericEric McBrideBrown Mackie College –Michigan CityCriminal Justice www.CareerCollegeCentral.com | 35
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