Tri-Community Adult Education helps students build lives for themselves and their families
Being a single parent is tough. Being a single parent studying nursing is even tougher. Both take patience, empathy and a big heart — qualities that Marina Balderas says she hopes will serve her well in her new career in health care.
“It’s an atmosphere that pushes you out of your comfort zone but at the same time … I felt, ‘I want this,’” she says. “It’s hard, it pushes you, it can break you, but I feel it’s where I’m supposed to be.”
“Education will get you far and it’s something that will last forever.”
Marina Balderas, Certified nurse assistant and Tri-Community Adult Education graduate
In 2019, Balderas earned her personal care aide certification through Covina Valley Tri-Community Adult Education. She was then able to further her education and earn her certified nurse assistant (CNA) certification and plans to advance her career as a licensed practical nurse (LVN) or registered nurse (RN).
“I think the instructors were great, very patient, and that helps,” she says. “It helps when you have patient people listen to see what you’re lacking and help you figure out what you want or what you’re interested in.”
According to Virginia España, assistant principal of Tri-Community Adult Education, health care is a growing field, especially for workers like Balderas, who already have experience under their belt. And it’s one of several Career Technical Education (CTE) programs available for students, including court reporting, electrician, bookkeeping, HVAC and more.
“Adult Education and CTE programs are based on the needs of our local industry and current labor market information,” España says. “Lower tuition costs make it more affordable to attend school and financial aid is offered for several programs. CTE programs provide students with opportunities to acquire the competencies required in today’s workplace. … Students are prepared to start a new career, advance in their career, and support their families and strengthen communities.”
For Balderas, all of the hard work and perseverance it has taken to forge her new career path was something she did not just do for herself, but for her two kids as well.
“If you don’t make the time to work towards it, you’ll never get there. It’s easier to give up … but once you start something, taking baby steps in the right direction, that adds up,” she says. “I wanted them to see that regardless of how hard it got, I didn’t give up. … I want them to know that education will get you far and it’s something that will last forever.”
For more information on Covina Valley Tri-Community Adult Education programs, visit www.tri-communityadulted.org.
| Regions | Classes |
|---|---|
| South Coast California | Careers in Health Care |
