Chelsea’s Success – A True Career-Pathway Inspiration
Chelsea Sikora first became involved with the WIA Youth Program back in 2012. A bright, successful student, Chelsea had the goal of a career in the medical field. Barb Retherford, WIA Grant Case Manager, worked with Chelsea through her work experience and throughout the school year, including Chelsea’s transition to college. But that was just the beginning of Chelsea’s career path.
Over the past 3 years, Chelsea has made great strides towards her career goals and has many new accomplishments. Through the WIA Grant, she had been volunteering at the Hillman Community Center. After this work experience placement, she was hired on to do set-ups and whatever else was needed. In 2013, Chelsea graduated high school with honors and went on to Alpena Community College to pursue medical office training. With the support of the WIA Grant, she was able to get assistance with transportation expenses and car repairs, making attending classes feasible. In her second semester, Chelsea withdrew from classes due to her brother’s death. In November 2014, Chelsea was hired by Cabin Creek Coffee, where she still works. She loves it and hopes to increase her responsibilities there. She has also been asked by the Hillman Community Center to cover for her supervisor during the month of March.
Despite her second semester setbacks, Chelsea is now doing her phlebotomy internship at the Hillman Medical Clinic and has been on the Dean’s list every term. She will have her degree in May and will take her certification test this summer. Chelsea has her sights set on working at the hospital in Alpena and is also considering getting certified for ultrasound work.
Thanks to the WIA Grant to assist with books, transportation and car repair costs, and mentoring, Chelsea has been extremely successful in her college endeavors. She has been an exemplary grant participant and an inspiration to other participants as well…a true career-pathway inspiration for in-school youth. As Chelsea completes her follow-up phase of the grant this spring, we look forward to keeping in touch in the future and hearing about her continued successes.