Fostering Conversations

Eiliana Garcia was working in the dental field and wanted to move up. With experience but no degree, she knew she needed an education to back up her skills. "I decided that I wanted to upgrade myself," said Eiliana. She enrolled in Penn Foster's online Dental Assistant Career Diploma program. A mother of two, attending school online, at her own pace worked for her. After earning her career diploma she received a promotion. "Once I completed the program I brought it to my boss... They were super excited for me and they gave me a promotion... I was the Head Dental Assistant in that office and I got a pay raise," Eliana said. Now, she's a Registered Dental Assistant in three states and a Certified Orthodontic Assistant with a specialty in Orthodontics. Listen to her story.

Gabriella McDevitt found a love for early childhood education after helping at her mom's daycare. She recognized a traditional learning environment wouldn't work for her, and enrolled in Penn Foster's online Early Childhood Education Associate Degree program. Now, Gabriella uses what she learned in her studies to improve her classroom, where she works as a lead teacher. "I could not be happier with the education I received from this school," Gabriella said. Listen to her story.

David Jones wanted to get on career path he enjoyed. That's when he found Penn Foster. Since graduating from our online Associate Degree in Construction Technology in 2014, David was promoted to Construction Services Manager at Greystar where he puts what he learned at Penn Foster into practice every day. "Everything that I learned through school is actually something that I'm doing out in the field," he said. David also completed our Bachelor's Degree in Business Management this year, which he believes will help him in the future. Listen to his story.

Michelle Rainwater was a stay at home wife and mother when she found Penn Foster. Ready for a career, Michelle knew she needed training. Our online, flexible program allowed Michelle to study at her own pace and reach her goals. Since graduating, she's been working as a Licensed Certified Pharmacy Technician at CVS. "I'm proud of everything from making the first phone call, not giving up, and receiving my certificates to finding a career," said Michelle. Listen to her story.

Kathy Walker always had a love for higher education. Working at the University of Memphis, she had a desire to teach, but lacked the credentials to do so. Kathy enrolled in Penn Foster's online Medical Terminology Certificate program, which allowed her to work full-time while working towards her goals. After graduating, Kathy became an adjunct professor and was then promoted to Assistant Director of Student Services. Now, Kathy teaches over 100 students at the college. "[This program] has carried me into success...I'm proud to be an alum from this school and I highly recommend it to others," said Kathy. Recently, Kathy was awarded the Excellence in Advising Leadership Award and is now enrolled in a doctoral program. Listen to Kathy's story.

Amy Newfield, MS, CVT, VTS (ECC) is the Program Manager, Training & Health & Wellness for BluePearl Vet Hospital. She has a master's degree in leadership and management and boasts over 20 years in the veterinary profession working as a credentialed veterinary technician. She earned her Veterinary Technician Specialty credentials in Emergency & Critical Care in 2003.

Amy is well published in over 15 subjects, is an international speaker, has received numerous awards including two speaker of the year awards and is highly involved in her community.

Her newest adventures includes her first authored book "Oops, I Became a Manager" and her Veterinary Team Training company dedicated to the entire veterinary team.

Neha was managing a veterinary hospital when she decided to enroll in Penn Foster's veterinary technician program. She realized the value of having a license and wanted to help motivate team members to enroll and become licensed to support their professional future, and decided to do it with them while pursuing her passion for pet care. Passing the VTNE, Neha works as a LVT at VCA, and is thankful for the support she received from the hospital and her coworkers as she pursued an online education. "As a licensed individual there are many more securities and confidence that come with the job," said Neha. Now, Neha is planning to publish her first book, "A Paw Partnership," which focuses on bringing awareness to the veterinary profession by highlighting some of the major challenges industry professionals face. Listen to her story.

Jessica Carter was working in entry level jobs in clinics and animal shelters when coworkers encouraged her to enroll in Penn Foster's online veterinary technician program. With two jobs, online learning worked for Jessica. "I was able to get my school done in between work shifts without having to worry about making classes on time," she said. Now, Jessica works as an RVT and training coordinator at Upstate Vet in Asheville, North Carolina. With a passion for learning and teaching, she helped develop and put into practice a training protocol at her clinic. "I'm now using my knowledge from PF to teach new hires on proper procedures and protocol," said Jessica. Jessica hopes to teach and speak at conferences in the future, and is working toward her Veterinary Technology Bachelor of Applied Science degree with Penn Foster. Listen to her story.

Always determined to make something of herself, Caitlin knew she wanted to graduate high school early and enroll in college right away. She liked that Penn Foster High School challenged her academically, but allowed her to set her own schedule. The first in her family to go to college, she earned an associate degree at 17 with all the prerequisites required for Tallahassee Community College' nursing program, which she's starting this fall. "Without Penn Foster I'm not sure where I would be right now," said Caitlin. "A lot of people feel like there's only one path to graduating, or maybe now two paths, either GED or going to High School. [Penn Foster] is another alternative... I think that's one of the greatest things about Penn Foster." Listen to her story.

Having to move frequently and not wanting to fall behind in school, Joseph and his family made the decision to enroll him in Penn Foster's online High School program. Joseph graduated a year early and is now pursuing a computer science degree at Gavilan College where he also works as a student assistant, helping students find a path for their careers and transferring to four-year universities. Joseph feels Penn Foster helped prepare him for this role and credits the program's elective choices with his success. "I'm extremely proud of going to Penn Foster, because if it wasn't for Penn Foster I would be one of those students going to college having no idea what I want to do," he said. Listen to Joseph's story.