The countdown is on, only 35 days until Hats Off to Women! This week, we’re sharing the inspiring journey of Jordan, a 2022 WACS Scholar. We’re so grateful for the incredible support our WACS Scholars have received on social media. Keep reading to see Jordan’s Success Story.When Jordan enrolled in the WACS program she was at the beginning of her journey as a college student and a mother. She had many moments when she felt over consumed and frustrated as she tried to cram in studying time, keep her grades up in school, and take care of her son. There were many sleepless nights, but the support from the women in the program was able to relate and they shared similar experiences which help motivate and help her to stay focused.
Jordan persevered through two years of school by learning how to balance her education and life and it paid off. As a WACS participant, the program was able to help support her through paying for childcare, extra gas assistance during clinicals, and school requirements (such as test fees, books, and uniforms).
Jordan is a proud graduate of Tri-County Technical College with an Associate in Applied Science, majoring in Surgical Technology. She was hired during her clinicals as a full-time surgical tech by Prisma Health of Greenville at Patewood Hospital where she continues to work.
“God is within her, she will not fail” (Ps 46:5)With a heart to serve, Jordan worked at her on-campus food pantry. There she spread her kindness to her classmates, fulfilling her desire to encourage individual growth in others. Her compassion is what inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare as a Surgical Tech. Jordan did not expect the journey to be easy, but she wasn’t prepared for the struggles she would soon endure. With the lack of income and the overwhelming responsibilities of caring for her one-year-old as he battled sicknesses, Jordan began to struggle emotionally and academically. Amid it all, she was notified that her landlord was selling the home she was renting, and she and her son would have to relocate. But Jordan held on to the promise of a favorite scripture “God is within her, she will not fail” (Ps 46:5). With determination and motivation, she refused not to give up. With the support of WACS, a caring grandmother, and God’s grace Jordan graduated from Tri-County Technical College with an Associate of Science in Surgical Technology in 2022. She is now employed as a surgical tech with Prisma Health in Greenville.
Keep following along as we honor our amazing WACS Scholars and countdown till our event. Be sure to follow along on our social media as we have exciting things to come! #WACSWomenWednesday
My name is Patricia Flores and I have 2 beautiful daughters, Emily who is 11 years old and Allison who is 5 years. My story is not different from many others.
I married very young. In fact, I was 17. I had my first daughter, Emily, when I was 18. Not only was I very young, but I was also away from my family and my friends.
Before Emily turned 2 years old, I enrolled in the adult education classes to obtain my GED. While I was taking classes to get my GED, I found information that changed my life.
"Becoming a nurse...Whew! I want to start off by saying this journey has been by far the hardest but the most rewarding journey I have ever endured. I remember asking myself how would I go back to school, work, and be able to still be involved in my children's activities. I was only able to get here today by the Grace and Mercy of God. He carried me through the times I didn't even think I would be able to move past. Leaning on God, my family, my friends and the WACS staff helped me be able to make my dreams and goals a reality. I remember watching my kids’ games via FaceTime while on break during a class, just so they could hear my voice in the crowd. I remember taking my books and laptop to plenty of games and vacations. At this very moment every bit of that was necessary to get here today. I want to tell anyone who ever doubts you can do something such as going back to school or whatever it maybe you can do it. It may not always be good days but the end result will make you truly grateful for the process. I finished nursing school with making A's and B's in all of my classes and I must say I am super proud of myself. The WACS program took some much pressure off my life some days and I will never ever be able to thank them enough, but again THANK YOU!!!!! To other nursing majors on this journey, remember you may not pass every class on the first try but never let that determine anything about your process. Do the work to get back on track. Study hard and always remain focused on the end goal. You may have to take a couple detours, because I had plenty - including not passing a med surgical class after losing my grandmother in my last semester. Life will happen but don't let it drown you. My future as of now is me working as a nurse for a Gastroenterology surgeon and also working PRN at a Rehab Hospital. I do plan on going back to get my RN/BSN, but right now I am enjoying this accomplishment. Always remembering I can do anything for a season."
