"I chose the School of Applied Technology because I needed a way to support my family and not rely on others. I'm a single mom. Having a career and being able to take care of my kids was the goal I had in mind when I enrolled."

Nikole is finishing the Clinical Medical Assistant program - the second SAT program she's completed, having previously finished the Medical Office Administration program.

SAT offers weekly enrollments, flexible class scheduling and low cost classes. "The flexible but consistent school hours were a real bonus," Nikole said. Programs are designed in close collaboration with local business and industry to ensure that graduates are prepared to work in their fields on their first day on the job.

Nikole will begin her 165-hour externship program with a local company. Her work will be fulfilling and will help her meet her goal of taking care of her family. She'll also have a start in the medical field where her hard work will continue to be rewarded. And she knows she'll be successful because she has already overcome real obstacles to achieve so much.

"I knew I could do this because my instructors Celeste Skinner and Julia Miller were so supportive - they gave me everything I needed to make it."