Second Comeback in Victorville!

Rodrelle with CNA certificate in January 2014

Rodrelle receiving Leadership Connection certificates in May 2014

Rodrelle DeAndrade is returning with a second success story this year! He is going beyond our expectations and Career Institute is very proud of his accomplishments, so we decided to update his latest events so far this year.

Rodrelle has been a shining star in the Career Institute office in Victorville. He graduated from the Certified Nursing Assistant Program in October of 2013 and received multiple training courses within a couple of months. Before entering into the program, Rodrelle felt that his window of opportunity was getting smaller until he landed a part time job at Knolls West Acute Care facility and participated in the 2014 Apple Valley Leadership Connection Program. With the connections and networking Rodrelle created in the Leadership program, he was able to explore a new career in real estate as an intern for Shear Realty. Currently, Rodrelle is preparing to take his real estate license and complete some courses at the local community college. He has now realized that there are endless possibilities for him and he decided to pursue the military after he receives proper experience and education.

Success Story: Iolani Elisara!

Iolani "Ani" Elisara

For this month’s success story I decided to write about Iolani Elisara or, “Ani” as she likes to be called. Ani is an active participate of the WIA youth group and Leadership for the Barstow office. Ani is one of seven children and is the first to pursue a degree straight out of High School. Both of Ani’s parents only received a High School diploma, and decided she wanted something different. She began attending and working at Barstow Community College in 2013. Her professional goal is to go into the medical field and become a Family Nurse Practitioner and to later join the Air Force. She is well on her way to reaching her goal, during her first semester at Barstow Community College, Ani has made it on the Barstow Community College President’s List by earning 12 or more graded units and achieving a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.75 or Higher. Last month Ani was one of almost 100 students that received a scholarship from Barstow Community College. Ani’s story is truly one of success that is still being written.

Ready... Set.. COLLEGE!

This past Wednesday, August 20th, our Hospitality and Management class had a special guest speaker. Stephanie Harkey is a College Funding Advisor that helps students plan to pay for college! She taught us different college costs, financial aid equation, different types of financial aid (grants, scholarships, work-study, loans), and application processes (FASFA, GPA Verification Form, CSS/Financial Aid profile). Did you know that the unemployment rate for a Bachelors degree is only 4.5% compared to just a High School diploma unemployment rate of 8.3%? Or a weekly income for a Doctoral degree is minimum $1,524? Stephanie provided us fun facts that proved how important getting an education is. Paying for an education is an issue for most students, but Stephanie was able to provide us outstanding information that can help our students when it comes to paying tuition. 

Thank you Stephanie!

"The only thing more expensive than going to college is not going to college"- Stephanie Harkey

Flashback Friday!

FLASHBACK FRIDAY!!

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to share this picture of Tim & I during our first day of training as Student Ambassadors! Looking back at this picture makes me so happy. At first I honestly didn't know what I was getting myself into but as the time went on everything became a lot clearer. Becoming a Student Ambassador for the Career Institute has been one of the greatest decisions I've made! Everything I've learned throughout this whole process will be something I will aways carry along with me so that I can help others change their lives for the better like the Career Institute has done for us all!

Throwback Thursday: 2/22/13

In honor of Throwback Thursday, we're going back to February 22,2013 when motivational speaker, Mr. Al Duncan, came and spoke with our Barstow youth group.

Mr. Duncan not only gave us inspirational words and advice (called Duncan Nuggets), but also created an activity showing us the art of the handshake.

While attending this motivational speaking event (at the time a 1st year WIA student and freshman in college), I learned how to give a good handshake, and also remember his tips for college students.

1: Utilize the resources around you.
2: Get connected.
3: Invest your time.

The Career Institute has helped me with all three. They showed our youth group what's available on-campus, offered different opportunities to get involved not only with them but also on and off campus, and did an entire session on time management and the importance of using our time wisely.

If you live in Barstow and are interested in how the Career Institute can help you, come by our office or check us out online (www.cinow.org).

- Tim 

New Employment.

 Student Ambassador, Georgia Burckel, added five new trendy shirts to her wardrobe! Georgia was hired onto the Career Institute staff to work in the head Rancho Cucamonga office where she will help with administrative work and marketing. She is honored and thrilled to 'Work in an environment where she can learn and grow' and to 'get a job that pertains to her future career with helping young adults'. New and exciting changes are happening with the Career Institute! Changes that will better the life's of the young adults in our community, and that will grow a successful futures for the new faces in our program. 

-Georgia Burckel

gburckel@cinow.org

Shoot Saturday!

Student Ambassador Georgia Burckel brings her skills to capture more pictures of Career Institute's summer class at work. From students polishing silverware to answering phones; and even landscapes of the beautiful Sheraton Hotel.  More pictures in the works of a wonderful marketing video!

-Georgia Burckel
gburckel@cinow.org