LIVING CONDITIONS
Due to unstable living conditions, Vivian had to move around through much of her high school career. She attended over six different high schools in the Seattle area, mainly alternative schools. This made it extremely hard for Vivian to get into what she was doing at school. "High school teachers didn't care about what I was going through." After falling a year behind her peers, she decided that the high school diploma was not worth the work and decided to dropped out.

		"Without the Career Link Academy I would have a job, not a career."

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY
Vivian came to the North Seattle Community College campus to sign up for GED testing. One of the advisors there suggested that she enroll in the Career Link Academy which helps students prepare for their GED tests. She had nothing to lose, so she enrolled in the program. "The Career Link staff acted like friends. They cared about me, what I was going through, and if I succeeded." The curriculum that the Career Link Academy offered kept Vivian interested. They offered resume writing tips, job placement skills, interviewing practice, career planning, and many other real life skills.

CONTINUING EDUCTION
After successfully earning her GED, Vivian wanted to stay in the program and work towards a sponsorship. "Once you find something that you are interested in, it motivates you to keep going to school. The Career Link Academy helped me to find something I was interested in." After spending almost a year in the Career Link Academy, Vivian earned her GED and a sponsorship to North Seattle Community College. "Hearing sponsored students talk to our class made me want to be like them and go to college."

A NEW LIFE
Vivian graduated a year and a half later with a Medical Assisting certificate. "Without the Career Link Academy, I would have a job, not a career." She is currently doing what she likes to do and enjoys going to work. "Without the sponsorship and the Career Link Academy, I would not have pursued a college education."

SELF MOTIVATION
Steven grew up in rural Montana. It was not impossible for Steven to attend high school; however, the situation with his parents made it nearly impossible. "I wanted to attend high school; I felt that I was missing out on some cool things." So he took things into his own hands and started to study on his own time. By the age of 17 Steven had moved out and found himself in Seattle, with no friends or family.

A NEW BEGINNING
After completing his GED, Steven found out about the Career Link Academy. "Even though I had already completed the GED, I enrolled in the program so I could learn some computer skills and a chance for a sponsorship." Steven found the instructors to be very helpful and encouraging. Steven had always dreamed of going to college and now an opportunity presented itself. "Growing up, and not having an opportunity to study, I had a dream of going to college."

		"Career Link is an opportunity. It is up to you what you make of this opportunity."

A DREAM COME TRUE
After spending some time in the CLA he demonstrated his determination and desires to attend college and earned a sponsorship. "The instructors were an invaluable aid to me when I was struggling with difficult college classes." Steven found that the CLA staff was supportive throughout his whole college career. They were there to help him to find work, help him in his classes, and give him much needed support. Steven graduated with an Associates of Applied Science.

THE ROAD AHEAD
Steven is currently working at a computer repair shop. "I learned many important computer skills which have made my success in my job possible." Steven now has a job that he enjoys and plans on getting a BA in Electrical Engineering in the near future. "Without CLA, it would have been very difficult, financially, for me to attend school."

ROUGH START
Elina started off her high school career strong. Her freshman year she had good attendance and grades. At the beginning of her sophomore year, she got the flu and missed a month of school. The school she was attending had what they called an Academy Program, which combined Language Arts, Science, and History. Most of the work done in this program was group work, and she was unable to make up the work. She would have had to wait until the following year to restart the program. She decided 5 years of high school was too much and dropped out.

		"When I was looking into careers the staff gave me lists of programs, brochures, and talked with me about requirements for my career. "

CHANGE IS GOOD
The CLA was a different experience for Elina. They offered a flexible schedule, paid transportation, one-on-one help and support, and a friendlier learning environment. "The CLA helped me with my computer skills, resume writing, and interviewing. I was not getting this kind of help anywhere else." After completing her GED, Elina found a career she wanted to pursue.

WORKING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW
Elina was able to earn her sponsorship. She is currently attending NSCC working on earning her AAS Degree for Accounting. When asked what she would tell current students, she says: "You already made it to the CLA, don't give up now. They are willing to work with you and give you a second chance."

HOME SWEET HOME
Jesse's father lives in Alaska, and his mother lives in Seattle. Jesse spent a lot of time moving back and forth visiting with both of his parents. "It was hard for me because whenever I got a break from school, I had to leave and see my other parent." By the time Jesse got to his fourth school, academics were not on his mind. "I kept moving around so keeping myself happy was my first priority." He got nothing done his Junior year and decide it would be better to drop out.

		"Hearing the guest speakers come in and talk about their careers made me want to attend college. I realized how important it is to have a job that you enjoy."

MONEY EQUALS HAPPINESS ???
"At the time I dropped out, I was thinking about joining the electrician union, but first I needed my GED. I didn't care what I was doing as long as I made good money." He heard about the CLA from a counselor at his high school. The things that the CLA was teaching kept his interest because he could see the relevance. "Hearing the guest speakers come in and talk about their careers made me want to attend college. I realized how important it is to have a job that you enjoy." With the help of the staff, Jesse was able to find a career that interested him and apply for a sponsorship.

A LOT OF CREDIT TO THE CLA
"Without the CLA I would not have been ready for college. The skills I learned there I will use for the rest of my life." Jesse is getting ready to start his seventh consecutive quarter at NSCC. He will graduate with an AAS in Web Development. "I believe that everybody has the ability to succeed in college. The CLA gave me the skills, motivation, and determination I needed to succeed. Without the CLA I would have never even given college a chance."