After graduating from high school in Oregon, Samantha Feagins enrolled at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City. But she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do and had to put her career on hold for financial reasons. Then Samantha heard about Springdale Job Corps.

“I used to be very directionless,” she says. “I’d do my high school work, then go to work, and come home and play video games. I’d repeat that pattern. I was not the most motivated person! Springdale helped me learn to focus better and get tasks accomplished. I learned about the importance of goal planning too. Springdale taught me to be independent and being here helped me become more social. This place has helped me figure out a career track and I’ve learned solid skills!”

Samantha recently earned her certified nursing assistant certification while at Springdale Job Corps and was accepted into the practical nursing program at the Denison Job Corps Center in Denison, Iowa for advanced training. Her ultimate goal—to become a surgeon.

“I want to be a surgeon so I can help people and I thought health occupations would be a good place to start. I find it fascinating to learn how the body works! My mom has had two back surgeries, and she’s still not doing great, so it would be kind of cool to be able to help people in her situation. Also, the excellent treatment I received from my doctors for some migraines I’ve struggled with had some impact on why I chose the medical path.”