Testimonials

"I am a 49 year old Boomer Career Changer. I wanted answers and a way to reach my career goal by achieving milestone objectives. My goal is not completely defined, but I know what I don’t want. The Team at the GWCC Career Center helped me with the following:

• Career focus and exploration
• Objectivity
• Resume and cover letter review
• Stepping stone options to consider
• Viable economic choices
• Timetable & schedule
• All leading to a workable PLAN

I started the Journey with Jan. First, I attended the Career Workshop at the Chandler Downtown Library in February this year. I was torn among (a) continuing with what I have, (b) pursuing a new career in K-12 Education (teaching math & science subjects, leveraging my engineering background, but I have no K-12 teaching experience), or (c) Healthcare, a totally brand new field for me.

I attended the February day-time GWCC Caregiver Course (also in February) because of the Career Workshop. A lot has happened to me (all wonderful things) since the completion of the Caregivers Course. I used all the resources available to me at CWT. With Ellen’s help my resume and cover letter has been appropriately restyled. Now I have an effective marketing tool.

In March, I was hired by CPES as a part-time DSP to support adults with Developmental Disabilities in Group Homes. I am enjoying the rewarding work. Working in SMI/DDD led to other possibilities. I have also entered into contract with Preferred Care at Home to provide in-home caregiving supporting the senior population. I am also excited about the possibility of working in Vocational Rehab teaching high school math and science to adults with disabilities. I am currently interviewing for those positions.

Diana Morgan, the Caregiver Course instructor was wonderful. She suggested to me to consider teaching Caregiving Classes after working one year in the industry. I am very grateful for her encouragement, knowledge, and wisdom. Furthermore, Nanette has been so kind in providing resource information to ensure that I have the best opportunity to succeed. They empowered me. It made a huge difference in my life and yes, they helped me to help myself. Currently, I have new networks of people. I have many options and choices such as:

• Focus on Private practice
• Obtain additional education in nursing (e.g., from CNA to LPN)
• Starting your own business in Caregiving.

In short, I have reinvented myself in less than 60 days."

- D. Alex Chuang

"I brought my resume and job description to you after Thanksgiving for a job I was applying for at ASU... I got the position and this is my second day. I am the Director of Annual Fund and Alumni Relations for the Sandra Day O'Connor Law School. I want to thank you for spending the time with me and the encouragment. I think you have a great program for Baby Boomers and I hope this project continues.

- Ann Snider

"Many people discover their passion after working in different field for years, for example:
Jim is a former divorce attorney who practiced law for over 20 years. Pursuing his passion he became a teacher eight years ago. Jim teaches social studies/history at Cocopah Middle School in Scottsdale."

- Jim Mueller
jmuller@susd.org

"I recently attended the Care Giving Course that Gateway Community College offered and it was an exceptional course! The instructors were all very kind, knowledgeable and passionate about all of the information that was being taught. I learned new skills and techniques that I am now using with my consumers. I tell all of my friends and family about how wonderful this course is and how helpful it has been to me."

- Valerie Hicks