Carrie Bayer - An Inspirational FSS Success Story

Carrie Bayer recently graduated successfully from the FSS Program. FSS Program Coordinator Marty Chumney asked Carrie to share her inspirational success story in our FSS Newsletter and she agreed.

MC) Summarize your accomplishments while participating in the FSS program.

CB) In 2001, I signed up for Metro and had a baby in December of that year. I was accepted into Section 8 housing in February of 2002. I had previously resided with my grandmother for 28 years. I was able to get a one bedroom apartment and then obtained a part time job at Fro's Drive Thru. I was eventually able to move to a 2 bedroom apartment and decided to enroll into Nursing school while still maintaining my job at Fro's. I graduated form LPN school this past summer and passed the state exams to get my LPN License. I then was able to obtain a full-time job at Hennis Care Center in Dover as an LPN.

MC) What do you think were the key factors that contributed to your success?

CB) I wanted my son to have enough, and working at a dead end job and barely getting by pushed me. I also had a lot of help from my family.

MC) What inspired you to enroll into the LPN training program at Buckeye?

CB) I actually heard about the Buckeye LPN training from Marty at TMHA. I was considering Canton City Scools Nursing program but I really liked that this program was close to home.

MC) What did you find was the most difficult part of the LPN training?

CB) The studying and making sure that I went to school even when I was dead tired. I had great instructors that made the material "real" which helped also.

MC) What do you like best about your job as an LPN?

CB) The fact that I can help others. Sometimes people are afraid and they just need a friend and I can be that for them and help them through tough times.

MC) What are some future goals that you have for yourself?

CB) I hope to go on to college to get my RN and then hope to buy a home of my own.

MC) How do you plan to utilize the escrow account funds that you earned?

CB) Right now I am using the money to buy some household things and it will help to purchase a newer reliable vehicle.

MC) How did you benefit by your participation in the FSS program?

CB) A lot of stuff at home got neglected while I was in school and the money is helping to get ahead. It also helped me knowing that money was being saved in an account that someday I could receive. I was also able to tap into the account to buy books and uniforms that I needed for school.

MC) What advice would you give other FSS participants who are still trying to achieve their goals?

CB) Stick to it! There is a light at the end of the tunnel if you keep moving ahead. Working toward your goals can only benefit you and your family. Thanks again to Marty and all of the employees at TMHA for helping me. I finally can say that I have a career now.