Hayley Soles

I was a recent newlywed that was focused on being at the top of my class in the Respiratory Therapy Program. After quitting my job to give all of my attention to the program for two years, I relied on my husband and parents to get me through. Within the first semester of being in the Respiratory Therapy Program, I noticed that there was a lot more money involved than just the tuition and expenses such as uniforms, equipment, testing, etc. I am not one to take money from people easily, even if it is from family, so I started working side jobs to help repay them. About three months into school, I noticed that my grades started falling because I was more focused on working than on studying. After talking to someone who had recently been through the same program, they told me about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program and the assistance they give to individuals who are low income and completing training at certain programs at Middle Georgia State University. After calling and speaking with a Career Facilitator at the Middle Georgia Consortium, I learned about the eligibility and suitability criteria and went through the full process with a Career Facilitator. After being determined eligible by the Middle Georgia Consortium, I was able to receive assistance with my tuition, fees, equipment, background checks, new scrubs, and shoes for my training program. This program has helped me to be able to complete school successfully so that I can become a Respiratory Therapist. With the assistance from WIOA, I was able to focus more on my studies and I am now a May 2019 Middle Georgia State University graduate, having graduated in the top 25 percent of my class. Thank you so much to the Middle Georgia Consortium for your assistance in helping me realize my dream of becoming a Respiratory Therapist.