August 19, 2016

Spotlight on a Schmieding Graduate

In January of 2016, the Schmieding Home Caregiver Training Center (SHCTC) in El Dorado was awarded a generous grant from the SHARE Foundation of El Dorado for student scholarships. This grant provided 20 full-program sponsorships to individuals wanting to take our certified caregiver training classes based on financial need. As of this month, almost every scholarship has been awarded to recipients looking to better themselves and give back to their community by becoming a certified geriatric home caregiver through our program!

One such recipient was Ms. Hannah Pagan of El Dorado. Hannah is currently a junior at Ouachita Baptist University, where she studies Biology. When she came to the SHCTC, she was seeking a way to gain experience in the field of healthcare and caregiving, as she plans to enter a graduate program to become a Physician’s Assistant. She was also seeking a positive, personal, and affordable way to gain this experience, as she was only home for the summer months in El Dorado. Hannah displayed exactly the kind of compassion, responsibility and dedication a great caregiver needs, and so after enrolling in the program and applying for the SHARE scholarship, she was awarded the funds to begin her training as a certified caregiver!

Upon graduation from the program on August 12, 2016, Hannah stopped by to tell us about her experience in the SHCT program. When asked what her biggest take-away was from the course, her answer was how her point of view on senior adults had shifted. She said her eyes were opened to the less obvious needs those needing care possess, and also the value and potential of older adults. The skills and knowledge she gained from her instructors grew her compassion as the class progressed, teaching her how to be a patient, respectful caregiver.

Hannah now plans to become a Certified Nurse’s Aide (CNA) in the state of Arkansas, and hopefully become a part-time caregiver in her spare time as a student. Next summer, she will use her certification to begin gaining the observation hours and hands-on experience she needs to enter her graduate program and continue on her journey as a professional. We are so grateful to have had the SHARE scholarships, which provided a way for Hannah to continue her path to success.

If you are interested in furthering your education or career, call and inquire today about our certified caregiver training classes!