PAIGE

AGE: 20
CAREER PATH:
Healthcare

Paige left her job at an Amazon warehouse to focus on her newborn son and to explore more fulfilling career options. So she signed up with YJC to get some support and guidance on her daunting but exciting new journey.

Paige’s career coach helped her explore the variety of professional paths available to her to see what felt like the best fit. At first, Paige thought trucking might be her choice, but after further research and coach conversations, she realized healthcare was what excited her most. The journey began!

She got started with resume-writing, cover letter-crafting, and mock interviews, and rounded out those foundational skills with financial skills like budgeting, saving, and credit score management.

“I received so much knowledge from YJC that I believe YJC is the reason I’ve become even more intelligent these past few months,” Paige says. “I graduated from high school two years ago, and being able to have a baby and join an organization that gives so much knowledge was so helpful. You can’t go wrong with that type of help when you have real responsibilities, so I appreciate YJC.”

Once she had the basics down, Paige took advantage of YJC’s support in getting into school. That venture was a success, and Paige enrolled in Prairie State College. To make sure Paige didn’t face any obstacles in completing her schooling, YJC provided the required uniforms and shoes as well as gas cards so she could get to and from campus. “I told my career coach what I needed, and she always made the arrangements for me to receive it,” Paige says.

Paige worked hard, taking advantage of all the support offered to her, and now holds a Medical Central Service Technician certificate. Her next step is to complete her clinical hours, take the Certified Registered Central Service Technician exam, and start working in her field. She is well on her way!

Cheering her along every step of the way is her career coach Destanee. “Working with her was such an amazing experience because she was so nice to me, patient, and very helpful,” Paige shares. “I felt like she loved me as a client and wanted me to be successful. I always emailed her every day, [and] she never got frustrated with me or overwhelmed. She made sure she helped me even if she didn’t always have an immediate answer to a question that I had.”

Paige is excited to move forward on her healthcare path—“I love to be part of a community that’s giving back in the way of helping patients,” she says—and encourages young people in similar situations to “please take advantage of this type of assistance.” She goes on, “YJC literally helped me get into school, gave me knowledge, and gave me all my materials needed for school. … [Being a YJC client] is a wonderful experience and a whole different ballgame.”

Now that Paige has the support and resources to go with her drive and work ethic, we can’t wait to see the new heights she’ll reach.