EFOHCA Offers Scholarships to Two Echoing Hills Employees
Recently, Abbie Bryan and Cierra Cooper, two team members at Echoing Hills, received exciting news. They were both awarded scholarships through the Ohio Health Care Association (OHCA).
Scholarships are awarded annually through the Educational Foundation of OHCA (EFOHCA). Their mission is to foster careers within the long-term care industry.
Here is what Abbie and Cierra had to share!
Abbie Bryan, Assistant Director of HR
What are you studying?
I am studying the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist program (CEBS) through the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.
How long have you been in college/certificate program?
I will be starting the certificate program this summer. There will be five tests altogether. The first occurring sometime between October and December of this year.
How long until you graduate/complete the program?
I will complete the program in about two years.
How did you find out about the EFOHCA scholarship opportunity?
My boss, Kris, told me about the opportunity. She really encouraged me to go for it!
What made you decide to apply?
I knew I wanted to pursue further education. I wasn’t sure what that looked like, but I knew that if I applied for the scholarship and got it, I would be forced to do it. It gave me the push I needed.
How did you find out you were selected?
I was supposed to receive an email in April if I was selected. I remember when I applied, I looked at past winners. There were no HR representatives among the winners, so I didn’t know if it was possible for me. Then, when I didn’t get an email in April, I assumed I had not won. I received an email in early May and was shocked!
What would you say to others considering going back to school/continuing their education?
It is always important to be a continuous learner and to grow. When I feel stagnant, I know it is time to do something to push myself. I can be open to new ideas in this way. This is not about the letters behind my name; I want to know as much as possible.
Cierra Cooper, Direct Support Professional (DSP)
What are you studying?
I attend COTC and am studying to become an RN, feeling called to the field after I started working at Echoing Hills. I never worked in healthcare before coming here.
How long have you been in college/certificate program?
I started this past spring. I am currently taking pre-requisite classes.
How long until you graduate/complete the program?
I anticipate I will be done in about three years.
How did you find out about the EFOHCA scholarship opportunity?
I received an email about it but didn’t give it a second thought. My boss, Loretta, then encouraged me to apply.
What made you decide to apply?
Loretta’s encouragement gave me the push I needed.
How did you find out you were selected?
I received a letter in the mail. I thought it was a scam and showed my husband. He assured me it was real and told me I should be proud and excited!
What would you say to others considering going back to school/continuing their education?
Going back to school can be scary, but it is worth it. It is a fun adventure and is worth it in the end! I would also encourage you to consider the developmental disability field. I never thought it would be for me; however, once I started here, I fell in love with it. It has changed my career path!
