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Youth Finds Encouragement, Confidence and a Bright Future Thanks to Project Explore and Succeed
In September 2014, Jordyn Bowling relocated from Ohio to northern Michigan facing many new challenges. Moving to the new area to live with friends as a senior, Jordyn was feeling very uncertain about enrolling in a new school in a small town with kids who have been together for years. She did not start classes immediately and, being shy, she was considering taking classes online. However it was important to Jordyn to graduate high school on time because she wants to attend college and pursue a career in the medical field. Despite being behind in credits, Jordyn knew returning on a full time basis was her best option. Thankfully Jordyn has been able to make up her classes through a special program available through Inland Lakes and she on track to graduate in June.
Jordyn said that being part of Project Explore and Succeed, a WIA Youth program, helped her be successful and eased the way into the new school. The program offered her counseling, leadership development activities, support, and helped her adjust to the new area with improved confidence. In addition, stipends have helped pay for basic needs as she depends on friends for her support. She feels regular meetings with the case manager also helped her feel more comfortable, as well as the fact that other members of the program have became her good friends.
Jordyn plans on applying for the Summer of Service program through McLaren Hospital this summer to gain valuable experience and knowledge of careers in the medical field. She is enrolling in the nursing program through North Central Michigan College in this fall.