Because rural areas often have limited access to four-year universities, community colleges can offer an entry point into higher education for students, and even help lift them out of poverty. That’s exactly what Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) in Wise, Virginia, did for Jason Gilliam.
Jason recently graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and he’s just getting started. He plans on starting his journey to becoming a registered nurse in 2025.
The LPN program took him a year and a half to complete, and in that time, his income increased dramatically.
“I was working in fast food and my income was $200-$300 a week,” Jason said. “When you have a $564 monthly car payment, that goes nowhere.”
Fortunately, Jason inherited his home from his father, so he didn’t have to worry about rent. But before finding a new career as a nurse, he and his family were struggling to make ends meet.
“Last Friday, I just brought home a $1,600 paycheck for one week, which is about four times the amount I was making. Now I can provide stability for my family and give them the life they deserve instead of scraping by and having to be on food stamps.”
While it’s no surprise that making the move from a job in fast food to a career in healthcare would increase someone’s income, the cost of education you need to get there can be a huge barrier. That’s where G3 can help students like Jason pursue an education without debt.
“I found out I was eligible for the funding after I applied,” Jason said. “I went on the Mountain Empire website and saw that G3 would help cover my tuition.”
An Unforgettable Learning Experience
Jason credits his success in the LPN program to his instructors at MECC.
“At Mountain Empire, you’ve got great instructors at your back,” Jason said. “If you work the program and listen to them, you’re not going to fail, you’re going to succeed. And that’s what I needed. At first, I was not confident, and I thought I’d never get through it. But it turned out to be the best decision in my life. It’s changed my life 100 times over.”
Class sizes are often much smaller at community colleges, which allow for a supportive and engaging experience.
“My favorite classes were in our Simulation (SIM) labs where we were hands-on and getting to learn on the mannequins,” Jason said. “Ms. Lena is unlike any teacher I’ve ever met in my life. When she teaches us about cells, she puts on a big brown hat that’s got bells on it, and she’ll wear a plush boa constrictor and do her ‘killer cell’ dance, just to keep you involved. Ms. Mitzi and Ms. Sabrina always made sure I understood everything. I’m so thankful for those three ladies. They have no idea that without them, I wouldn’t have made it.”
The Next Chapter
Jason is currently a charge nurse at Ridgecrest Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation, a role he had set his sights on while taking classes.
“During the first semester of LPN school, I had a clinical rotation there,” Jason said. “Within the first five minutes of meeting my boss Whitney, I told her I was going to work for her one day. Fast forward to our job fair last semester, I made one resume and didn’t want to talk to the other employers because I wanted to show Whitney I wasn’t interested in anywhere else but Ridgecrest. I don’t usually put my eggs all in one basket, but it worked out, and I got the job.”
Jason plans on staying at Ridgecrest as an RN after he completes his program.
