Student Success Stories

Jorge - EMT and Firefighter

There is no success without struggle. Pursue your dream to meet your goals, and fight through the struggles. Never give up! - Jorge

Jorge is 20 years old. After graduating from high school he moved out from home and is on his own. He found that it was difficult to juggle two jobs and make ends meet. He decided to come back to school to pursue a career in emergency medical services/fire sciences and to eventually become a firefighter to protect his community. The EOC worked with Jorge, explaining the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and assisting him in completing the application.

Althea - Teacher

"Just do it! Don't wait any longer. Have a passion to educate and improve yourself to get a great career." - Althea

Althea is 46 years old and attends Kansas City Kansas Community College. Althea’s mother passed away when Althea was 14 years old. She and her four siblings were raised by their grandmother, who played a significant role in Althea's desire to return to school. After the passing of her grandmother, Althea decided to pursue her dream of giving back to her community by becoming a teacher. She takes classes while her children are in school. The EOC has assisted her with her FAFSA application and career goals.

Sha - Information Technology

"Be patient, and your life will begin to change." - Sha

Sha is 28 years old and recently arrived in the United States from his native country of Nepal. Being new to this country, he found things a struggle at first, but now he is enrolled at Kansas City Kansas Community College and is an ESL student. He hopes to complete his associate’s degree in the Information Technology program. The EOC has assisted Sha and his relatives to complete their FAFSAs and to understand the financial aid process.