“Surround yourself with people who move forward in a positive direction,” recommends Evelyn Skinner. After graduating from Blue Ridge Job Corps Center’s License Practical Nursing (LPN) program in partnership with the Smyth Career & Technology Center on May 20, 2017, Evelyn landed a job at Brookdale Senior Living as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

The Prince George, Maryland native arrived at the Woodstock Job Corps Center on June 10, 2014, and earned her Medical Assistant, Nursing Assistant, Electronic Health Records, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA), Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid credentials. Evelyn also served as the President of Student Government Association.

Not wanting to stop with just her Medical Assistant credentials, Evelyn applied for Blue Ridge Job Corps Center’s Advance Training Program to help advance her education in Licensed Practical Nursing. “I remember gazing around the classroom and realizing I was surrounded by women who all wanted a better life, just as much as I did,” expressed Evelyn. While enrolled at Blue Ridge Job Corps, Evelyn took full advantage of the work-study program and worked at Valley Health Care Center in Chilhowie, VA to gain experience and learn additional skills.

“I watched my mother push herself every day, making the most out of everything life threw at her,” stated Evelyn. “She is my inspiration and motivator; I strive to be like her.” She began taking classes at Hagerstown Community College during the Spring January 2018 semester. Her short-term goal is to complete the schools Registered Nurse program and become the Director of Nursing for a Hospice Care Facility