AGE: 24
CAREER PATH: Nursing

Aireyonna wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with her life. Nursing had always been a passion of hers, but she had to put it on the back burner due to becoming a mother as a teenager and, in her words, “life in general.” (Who can’t relate to that?) However, she held out hope that she would get to return to her dream at some point, and, as she puts it, “YJC was that stepping stone for me—full of support and amazing resources I didn’t even know were possible to receive anywhere!”

Aireyonna signed up with YJC and threw herself into its programs, including workforce readiness training, career coaching, financial workshops, financial coaching, and the healthcare career pathway program. Her career coach, Sara, helped her enroll in a CNA course, which she was able to attend free of charge. Aireyonna also received a laptop to use for her classes, medical supplies, transportation support, and, thanks to a collaboration between YJC and Dress for Success Chicago, professional interview preparation and a business casual wardrobe and accessories.

She’s now enrolled in a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing RN program at Chamberlain University, which she says her CNA program “well equipped and prepared me for. We use the same learning platforms, and I feel I have a head start on the nursing field.” Her favorite thing about diving into her dream field? “Helping people—being the reason someone is doing better mentally, physically, spiritually.”

Next steps for Aireyonna include finishing nursing school, starting a job as a CNA, and moving into her new apartment.

“Joining YJC was genuinely one of my proudest decisions I’ve made this year so far,” she says. “I would recommend YJC to anyone who is determined and motivated to become better and expand.”