Some students come to QCC to explore their options and find a direction. Others, like Lina Un, come ready to fulfill their calling.
Lina is pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse through QCC's Practical Nursing Apprenticeship Degree Program. Growing up, she spent countless hours in the hospital as her mother was treated for lung cancer. Although her mother lost her battle with cancer in 2003, the compassion shown by the nurses and doctors inspired Lina to join the healthcare field.
"I want to give back to my community because they took such good care of my mom," Lina said.
She has been a medical assistant since 2010 and began taking classes at QCC a few years ago to advance her career. When she heard about the apprenticeship degree program, it seemed almost too good to be true.
As a parent of three young children, maintaining a steady income is essential for her family. The apprenticeship program allows her to do just that. She is continuing her work with her current employer while receiving classroom instruction and supervised, on‑the‑job training. At the end of the program, she will become a licensed practical nurse.
Lina admitted that the workload can be stressful at times, but the opportunity to grow within her current work environment makes it worthwhile, and her family keeps her driven to succeed.
"They really are my motivation and inspire me to become a better version of myself, not just for me but for them," she shared.
Education has played a meaningful role in Lina's journey, and her family shared that experience with her. Her husband is currently enrolled at QCC for an IT certificate, and Lina has been able to help guide him through some of the college's processes. She also practices healthcare assessment on the kids as a way to involve them while she learns.
"Education doesn't stop just because you're an adult," Lina said. "We're showing our kids that if you're passionate about something, you don't stop and you continue to grow."
