The Finish Line Grant Helped Jasmine Graduate from Craven Community College and Find a Career
Jasmine : Finish Line Grant
Craven Community College (Craven CC) graduate Jasmine Hodge has used her success as a student to propel her into the healthcare field. From the WIOA Program, she was able to receive the guidance and assistance she needed to complete her education and join the workforce.
Hodge began her college endeavor in 2011 with the hope of attending East Carolina University. After that didn’t pan out, she realized that Craven CC offered her a perfect alternative that allowed her to continue living with her mother. She first started at Craven CC in the fall of 2011 with the expectation of becoming a nurse. However, after having children, she soon realized that the steep workload of nursing students did not mesh well with motherhood. She sat down with her advisor, Zomar Peter, and figured out a new degree plan in the Medical Assisting (MA) program.
“Advisors provide clarity on students’ academic direction and educational goals,” said Peter. “For example, with Jasmine, her goal was to enter the nursing program, but being a single mother, she was not able to stop working. With the nursing program, students are encouraged not to work or work minimally due to the rigor of the program. Advisors will be able to guide students through the prerequisites for all programs, but specifically health and nursing programs. Medical Assisting was perfect for Jasmine because of the various online options available for her work and personal life.”
Hodge admitted that the workload in the MA program was still very stressful at times, but the bonds she formed with her classmates and the realization that everyone was going through similar situations helped her through it. She also found comfort in assisting other students who were having difficulty, several of whom were mothers as well.
“We all have the same struggle with trying to study but also be a parent,” said Hodge. “We’re trying to come to class and also be a parent; to help your kids with their schoolwork and still having your own workload of school and homework. We had a lot of the same struggles but we also all helped each other.”
Hodge's story is one of perseverance and dedication. After a time, the workload was too much and she was forced to leave the WIOA program. She did not give up on her goals though, and in 2019 she was able to take the MA test with the help of the Finish Line Grant. The Finish Line Grant provided the funding that allowed her to take the MA test and graduate from the program. She is currently employed at Coastal Carolina Health Care Endoscopy Center and encourages other parents who are in school or thinking about starting to not get discouraged and put forth maximum effort.
Students are able to seek assistance through financial aid, scholarships, and grants to help them complete their education when facing unexpected challenges. Contact Craven Community College or your local NCWorks Career Center to find out more on what programs are available to help you succeed.
“In order for students like Jasmine to be successful at juggling school and motherhood, we provide not only academic advising, but we do provide financial assistance for those who are struggling financially,” said Peter. “It is important for students like Jasmine to have someone who provides continuous encouragement, hope and a very good listening ear. At Craven, that is what we provide.”
Source: Holly Desrosier, Craven Community College
