Turlock mother makes the most of second chance after stroke with career college

In 2019, I was in school working toward my associate degree while also juggling being a single parent to my five children. I was struggling, taking multiple classes at once, all the while taking care of kids. Then I had a stroke — at school.

I tried to go back but was having a hard time handling the workload. It quickly became clear that the recovery process from my stroke, coupled with my situation at home, meant a traditional higher education environment was out of the question for me.

I hated to have to give up — for myself and for my kids, who I knew were rooting for me. I decided I wasn’t going to let those challenges prevent me from getting an education. So when friends and family recommended Milan Institute, a private career education college, I decided to enroll.

Because of my stroke, I often had trouble comprehending lessons and would easily become overwhelmed, but at Milan, things were different. With online classes, my schedule was more flexible, and with a smaller student body I had a close-knit support system in my professors and the college’s administrative team.

The school also placed an emphasis on job placement. The career office staff mentored me as I navigated the interviewing process with several local employers. After completing all my courses, I graduated in May 2021 with a diploma and an offer for an externship in hand.

Today I work for a local healthcare provider here in the Central Valley, and I finally have a stable career that gives me purpose and allows me to pay my bills on time and provide a better life for my family.

While my story is unique to me, I know I am not alone. My challenge was dealing with a major health crisis while trying to finish school and provide for my kids. I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish and I’m proud that I sought out an educational path that was right for me. But there are millions of other nontraditional students who are also searching for their path to success and stability.

Let’s erase the notion that to find success in this country, one needs to follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Not all students have the same goals or needs. Not all students face the same challenges or life circumstances.

Let’s uplift the educational paths of nontraditional students and not forget the work that those with technical training are doing in our communities — across the Central Valley and the country. I can confidently say that I would not be where I am today without the second chance that a career college education afforded me.