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WIA/WIOA CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS <br /> WIA/WIOA Program Determined as Difference Maker in Success <br /> My name is Nia Williams. I have been trying to become a <br /> nurse since I moved to North Carolina many years ago. I <br /> worked full time at UNC, serving as a nursing assistant while SURCAll Al <br /> t' - SIIIVIt IS <br /> working on my pre-requisites for the nursing program. Unfortu- <br /> nately <br /> I experienced transportation issues in route to comple- <br /> tion on a couple of occasions and had to withdraw from clas- <br /> ses. <br /> In example of my challenges, I remember I once having re- <br /> ceived an acceptance letter from Alamance Community Col- <br /> lege to the nursing program. I was extremely excited. However <br /> I had less than two months to find a job that could work with <br /> my newly acquired school schedule. I obtained suitable em- <br /> ployment two weeks before the starting of nursing school and <br /> actually began both nursing school, and a brand-new job on <br /> the exact same day. This was truly tough and too much. Four <br /> weeks into the nursing program I was already struggling and was forced back into withdrawal <br /> of classes due to car issues, and financial challenges that came after I started school. I was <br /> deeply saddened, and for the next two years I had to sit-out the application process, as I was <br /> unavailable to re-start the program again until mid-2012 due to my dropping classes. <br /> In 2012, I re-entered the nursing program at Alamance Community College for the second <br /> time. I didn't have any financial aid left to help pay for school or books. When I found this in- <br /> formation out it was only two months until school started and I didn't know what I was going to <br /> do? I was still working my same part time job and didn't have the money saved up for such <br /> short notice. I recalled hearing about the WIA program a couple of years prior, and decided to <br /> contact them. It was the WIA/WIOA program and staff which helped me get through the Asso- <br /> ciate Degree Nursing program. I am now a Registered Nurse and working in the Operating <br /> Room at UNC Healthcare. It took me 10 years to get through the required pre-requisites and <br /> the Nursing program. I have two children and their dad to help me, however the road was <br /> tough. I never gave up on my dreams. It doesn't matter how long it takes as long as you get <br /> there. I am a prime example of how beneficial the WIANVIOA program is, and I don't know <br /> what I would have done without them. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Nia Williams <br /> #WIOA IN ACTION <br /> Annual Report 2014-2015 21 <br />