Despite a successful career as an administrative assistant, Rosie found herself in an unexpected situation – more expenses than income.  After struggling for months, she was unable to maintain payments on her home and she and her children were evicted.  At the same time, she lost her job.  “I had never had a hard time finding a good paying job” said Rosie.  “It’s a frightening thought.  A lot of good people are just one paycheck away from being homeless.”

Scared, Rosie chose not to turn to her family for help.  “My family would have helped but I wouldn’t have learned anything.   I felt that this happened for a reason and I had to face it on my own.  I had faith in God that He would lead me to where I needed to go.” 

Rosie and her children turned to Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN), a community and faith-based organization which helps homeless families.    Through IHN, she found a place to stay while getting her finances and life back together.   Rosie faced obstacles in her job search – she couldn’t get past the first interview. 

Inspired by her children and grandchildren, Rosie decided to take a chance and contacted Ivy Tech.  “It was really easy to get enrolled,” she recalls.  “I called in December 2005 and was registered for classes by January.  I didn’t have any money for tuition, but I was directed to the Financial Aid office and the TRiO program.  The staff helped me get the assistance that I needed.”

 Life as a college student and parent wasn’t easy for Rosie.   She had to balance family and school.  “I put a lot of pressure on myself to make A’s and B’s,” Rosie said.  “Talking with Amy Wann and Sarah Janicki from TRiO helped me realize that I knew the path I had to take.  I just needed to walk it.”

Rosie will graduate with her associate degree in Early Childhood Education in May 2008.  After graduation, she is planning on transferring her credits toward a bachelor degree in Elementary Education.  In reflection of her experiences, Rosie says, “It’s important to remember that at the end of the storm, there is a rainbow.  When you have a dream, you have to move toward it.  No one else will do it for you.”

Jerry Collins was unemployed, laid off from his computer job of over 20 years.  Supporting himself from a dwindling severance package, the sign motivated Jerry to contact his local Veteran Administration representative, who informed him that he still had one year left on his GI bill.

Jerry’s direction led to the medical field.  Prior to working in the computer field, Jerry had served in the army as a medic, phlebotomist, and dialysis technician. He researched schools and decided that Ivy Tech provided the best value for what he wanted to study.

Returning to school meant an increase in his family expenses.  To cover the costs, Jerry used money from his savings, refinanced his house and adjusted his medical insurance.  As part of the insurance readjustment, Jerry was required to take an insurance physical.  Intrigued by the exam, Jerry questioned the examiner about the work and his skills.  So excited by the possibility, Jerry contacted the owner of the company and inquired about a position.  He was hired and worked as an physical examiner while working toward his degree in medical assisting.

As graduation neared, Jerry began thinking about starting his own paramedical company.  “It was really my wife who made me think about doing this on my own.”  Jerry said.  “She was the one who pointed out that I had the skills and that I should think about my own company.  And I thought ‘You know, you’re right.  I can do this.’” 

Jerry started Hoosier ParaMed within months of graduating with his Associate Degree in Medical Assisting.  His degree and certification made it possible for Jerry to become a master contractor for EMSI, a leading medical information, risk management and investigation services company for the legal and healthcare industry.

As a master contractor, it is Jerry’s responsibility to develop client relationships as well as conduct physical examinations for insurance agents throughout Indiana.  Jerry completes his research on potential clients, mostly independent insurance agents and makes sales calls.  In between the sales calls, he travels the state conducting physical examinations, which can consist of anything from taking basic vitals to blood draws and EKGs. 

In just a year, Hoosier ParaMed has grown from conducting seven exams in the first month to conducting as many as 20 a week.  At the 6 month point, Hoosier ParaMed broke even.  Jerry has since hired 2 part time CMAs to help with the load.   He hopes that in the next 5 – 6 years, Hoosier ParaMed will employ 10 – 15 people and have their own building.  He looks forward to hiring more graduates from Ivy Tech’s Medical Assisting program.

Jerry doesn’t see Hoosier ParaMed as an instant success.  Instead he sees it as a culmination of his experiences and what he has learned through his life.  “This is a new point on my spear.”  Jerry says about Hoosier ParaMed and his new career.  “You go through life acquiring skills.  This is about me taking my knowledge and skills and learning to apply them to a new field.”