Then and Now

When I graduated from high school, I wanted to be a musician and did some touring with my band. To support myself, I worked all kinds of jobs—warehouses, fast food, landscaping. I got tired of dead-end jobs and knew I needed more stability. And I had a baby on the way. So, at 27, I started taking classes at SLCC.

I didn't know what I was going to pursue, but I was that student who was always meeting with my teachers after class or with a counselor and that's how I found out about the Pharm Tech program. I didn't know if I was going to love it or not, but once I enrolled in it, I loved it. An instructor became a mentor and really supported me when I struggled and guided me toward good jobs.

I worked at the Fourth Street Clinic for 2 ½ years, where we served the homeless. The employees were like family, and I fell in love with the Latino community we served. Now I work full time at the Intermountain Park City Hospital and continue to grow professionally. I still play gigs with my band, Vocal Reasoning, and now have 3 kids. I'm even considering returning to school for a bachelor's degree.

"I got tired of dead-end jobs and knew I needed more stability."

Advice

I don't know where I would be at if I didn't go to college. So go to college, no matter the length of the program. Even if you don't know your passion yet, you'll get help finding a career path. Talk to your teachers and advisors a lot, like I did. They want to help.