Issue link: http://howardcc.uberflip.com/i/238706
Christine Anderson GOAL AT HCC: Career change to health care LONG-TERM GOAL: Pediatric nurse practitioner QUOTE: "Take what you have and run with it; the only person who can stop you is you." A JUGGLER EXTRAORDINAIRE How does a single mother of three little girls juggle quality program, Christine is a good student who understands that she parenting, full-time work, and college classes – and still manage doesn't have time to waste. "I appreciate that my teachers are to study and get good grades? there for me whenever I need help." Ask Christine Anderson. She earned a bachelor's degree in Family support. Christine's mother and sister provide speech therapy, married, and moved to Anne Arundel County, pivotal support as she pursues her new career. "Mom is a where she worked in a public school until her third child was sonographer, and my sister is an X-ray technician. They love born. Soon after, she was divorced and needed a larger income their jobs and earn a good income, so they are great role to support her three daughters, now 9-, 5-, and 2- years-old. models. Without their help with my children, I wouldn't be able Christine decided to pursue an earlier desire to become a nurse as a student at HCC. Here's what she says works for her: Flexible schedule. "I chose HCC's Certified Nursing Assistant to go to school." Relaxation. The campus Wellness Center provides muchneeded respite. At least once a week, Christine takes a break (CNA) program in the continuing education division to launch my from her demanding schedule for a free acupuncture treatment health care career because the flexible schedule allowed me to or a massage. work and take care of my children. The CNA is a stepping stone Attitude. Confidence and determination are also major toward my career goal, providing a good way to get experience factors in Christine's progress toward her goals – first to while I study to enter a nursing program." become an RN and then to earn a master's degree as a nurse Financial assistance. Christine is putting her CNA to good practitioner. "I enjoy helping people and giving them a better use, working as a home health caregiver and a medical assistant quality of life, and I'm good at it. I want to be a pediatric at Patient First, an urgent care provider. She says that financial nurse practitioner. It may take time, but I know I will get there support from an HCC grant and a private scholarship this year one day." enabled her to pay her out-of-county tuition. Faculty availability. Currently taking credit courses in anatomy and chemistry, prerequisites for the Registered Nursing (RN) For now, Christine is sure she's on the right track. "HCC gives you all the help, resources, and flexibility to move you along the path to reach your goal," she says. Howard Community College Spring 2012 | Pathways 5