In pursuit of a life well-lived

    Anabel Calderon is like many students enrolled in Ohio Hi-Point Career Center’s Nancy J. Knight School of Nursing pursuing their dream of becoming a nurse.  But for Calderon, the pursuit of her dream is riddled with challenges not faced by many at the age of 20.
    “Sometimes I feel overwhelmed.  Although I have never given birth, I have all the daily responsibilities of a single parent,” offered Calderon. 
    Calderon currently has custody of her three younger brothers since her parents had to return to Mexico.  The challenge of returning to school, working and assuming the role of parent have certainly made the life of someone just entering her twenties different than most.
    “I am a financial provider, caretaker, nursemaid, taxi, and shoulder to lean on.  I have a strong desire to be both a dedicated student and caregiver to my brothers, and at times I find it difficult to prioritize it all,” Calderon said.  “Yes, I am both in school and working.  However, I currently work very few hours.  I am fortunate enough to be able to take my brothers to work with me, and they enjoy it as well. It is extremely hard to balance everything and at times I feel overwhelmed. I am fortunate to have a very strong support group.  My brothers attend Jubilee Mennonite Church and everyone there is extremely helpful to my family and I am very appreciative of that fact.”
    Calderon has been assisted on her pathway into the nursing field by Ohio Hi-Point Career Center’s dedicated staff, which has provided assistance in securing financial aid, as they do with many students, to provide the necessary resources to return to school.  The Office of Student Services continuously seeks financial aid and provides other assistance to create the most flexible educational experience for their adult learners.
    “We realize that most adults who are looking to return to school are going to have many obstacles to overcome,” offered Darlene Chiles, director of Ohio Hi-Point Career Center’s Adult and Continuing Education Division.  “We know there are going to be scheduling difficulties, financial issues and a need sometimes for remediation in basic courses.  Fortunately, we can provide solutions to all of those areas through our financial aid office, our ability to provide flexible schedules and through our Adult Basic Literacy Education program, which can provide remedial classes and tutoring.”
    Calderon first realized her desire to be in the health care industry while in high school.
    “My senior year, we had to complete a project relating to a possible career choice, and I chose hospice care.  I found it to be a most eye-opening experience, and it made me realize how thankful I am for the blessings in my life. I felt a sense of serenity, and looked at my life differently. I discovered a new type of nursing, and was moved by the exemplary service they perform. The nurses intricately worked with both the patient and the family providing immeasurable support for them,” Calderon explained.  “I want a career in which I can make a positive difference in someone’s life, and nursing is just that. It is always changing, and nurses are becoming increasingly involved with their patients, as well as, their families. I consider it a great career that gives back to our communities, country, and world.”
    Calderon was recently assisted even further financially through a generous scholarship called the “Logan County Promise.”  The scholarship, funded by various service organizations, and spearheaded by local businessman Steve Austin of Steve Austin’s Auto Group, was set-up to provide for students to continue their education and for those who may need it the most.  Calderon was the first recipient of the scholarship.
“I feel thankful, and it has motivated me to be the best student I can be. I am proud that someone believes that I can accomplish my career goals and help my community,” said Calderon.
Calderon is currently in clinicals and has enjoyed her time in the Nancy J. Knight School of Nursing.  She talks about how rigorous the program is and how the nursing instructors bring years of experience into the classroom to challenge the students daily to make them the best health care providers they can be. 
“The thing I like the most are the friendships I have made, but what I like least is the feeling that there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done.”
Soon, though, she will join the hundreds of alumni that have successfully completed the nursing program at Ohio Hi-Point Career Center.  This September she will complete coursework making her eligible for graduation in December.  The closeness of making her dream a reality is a far cry from what occupied her daily life before beginning the program.
“I worked two jobs, which is never fun. I never had time for family and friends.  I knew that I could not do this for the rest of my life. I wanted to be educated and have more time and resources to provide for my family. I loved that the Ohio Hi-Point nursing program was close to home and tuition was reasonable.”
Now with just months to go, a more confident Calderon has a successful career and a happy life on the horizon and within her grasp.
“I would love to continue my education and become an RN.  I hope to have the opportunity to experience different genres of the health care field so I can figure out what my passion is and how I can make the biggest difference in people’s lives. Kahlil Gibran said, ‘To be able to look back upon one’s life in satisfaction, is to live twice.’ This is my life goal. To reach old age happy and full of stories, wisdom and strength. I want to know that I tried with all my heart to reach my dreams and that I have learned from others, and others have learned from me. I believe that will have been a life well-lived.”