There were times I didn't think I was going to make it through school, but I'm so thankful I didn't give up.
For Olivia, pursuing a career in healthcare meant overcoming obstacles that would have caused many people to give up. Financial hardship, caregiving responsibilities, unreliable transportation, and the lingering effects of childhood instability all threatened to derail her dream of becoming a respiratory therapist.
Instead, with determination, resilience, and support from Forward Service Corporation’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, Olivia transformed her future. Today, she serves patients as a registered respiratory therapist, owns her first home, drives a reliable vehicle, and enjoys the financial stability she worked so hard to achieve.
“There were times I didn’t think I was going to make it through school,” Olivia said. “But I’m so thankful I didn’t give up.”
Overcoming Obstacles While Pursuing a Dream
After leaving foster care, Olivia moved in with her disabled aunt, who became both her caregiver and an important source of support. When interruptions in her aunt’s public benefits created financial strain, Olivia stepped in to help support the household while attending college full-time.
At the same time, she balanced employment, caregiving responsibilities, and the rigorous Respiratory Therapy program at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC). Her studies also required extensive clinical rotations throughout Wisconsin, forcing her to commute long distances from Suring to Green Bay and other clinical sites in a vehicle that frequently broke down.
The financial pressures quickly added up. Tuition, uniforms, shoes, study materials, licensing exams, transportation costs, and everyday living expenses made completing her education feel increasingly out of reach.
Despite these challenges, Olivia never lost sight of her ultimate goal: becoming a Registered Respiratory Therapist, achieving financial independence, and creating the stable future she had long envisioned.
WIOA Support Made the Difference
Our WIOA program partnered with Olivia every step of the way, providing personalized support designed to remove barriers and keep her moving toward graduation.
Her WIOA Career Services Specialist, Megan, worked closely with Olivia to provide tuition assistance, mileage reimbursement, uniforms, shoes, study materials, licensing and credentialing exam assistance, FAFSA and scholarship guidance, budgeting and financial literacy coaching, resume development, interview preparation, career coaching, and ongoing case management.
When the cumulative stress of school, work, finances, and personal responsibilities nearly caused Olivia to withdraw from college, Megan quickly coordinated additional support. She helped arrange academic accommodations through NWTC Disability Services and connected Olivia with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and healthcare resources, ensuring she had both educational and personal support during one of the most difficult periods of her journey.
With consistent support and unwavering determination, Olivia regained confidence and excelled academically. She graduated from NWTC with her Associate Degree, earned her Registered Respiratory Therapist credential, and secured a highly competitive externship with Mayo Clinic.
That opportunity quickly led to full-time employment, launching the healthcare career she had worked so hard to achieve.
A Bright Future in Healthcare
Today, Olivia’s life looks dramatically different. She is financially self-sufficient, owns her first home, and has replaced the unreliable vehicle that once threatened her education with dependable transportation. Most importantly, she now spends her days providing compassionate respiratory care to patients while continuing to expand her clinical knowledge and build long-term financial security.
Megan describes Olivia as “compassionate, resilient, determined, and incredibly hardworking. She never let difficult circumstances define her future. Throughout the program she remained committed to her education, accepted support when needed, and consistently demonstrated perseverance and professionalism.”
Your Career Goals Are Within Reach
Olivia’s story is a powerful reminder that even the most difficult circumstances do not have to define your future. With determination and the right support, educational and financial barriers can become stepping stones toward lasting success.
If you’re interested in pursuing college or career training but worry about the cost, transportation, or other challenges, our WIOA program may be able to help. From tuition assistance and career coaching to supportive services that remove barriers to success, WIOA is designed to help motivated individuals achieve their educational goals and launch rewarding careers.
Like Olivia, your next chapter could begin with the support you need to turn your dreams into reality.
