After graduating from Solon High School, Dakota attended Notre Dame College. She wanted to become a Registered Nurse like her mother, Trabienne Franklin, who is the Health & Wellness Manager at Cleveland Job Corps. However, after completing two years she transferred to Cleveland State University. Aware of the high cost of college and needing to pay her loans, as well as obtain credentials without ensuing more debt, she spoke with her mother who suggested she enroll in Job Corps.

Dakota arrived at Cleveland Job Corps on September 19, 2017. She obtained her ServSafe, First aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Pharmacy Technician credentials in less than a year. She participated in the Military Fair and won first place in the obstacle course. Dakota admitted that she had to learn to adjust to the different ages and personalities of her peers, but it helped prepare her to work with various people. “Students should take their time and read the chapters in their books carefully, study, and follow your syllabus,” advises Dakota.

On March 26, 2018, twenty-three-year-old Dakota graduated from the Cleveland Job Corps Center. She is employed at Walgreens as a Pharmacy Technician making $13.00 an hour. Dakota plans to return to college during the Spring 2019 semester to continue to pursue her bachelor’s degree. “The best is yet to come,” exclaims Dakota!