SAM LEE
HCA, San Jose Regional Medical Center
 Sam Lee is a busy man. While  working as an admitting registrar at San Jose Regional  Medical Center, this husband and father (his son is five) has managed to  earn excellent grades in the most challenging nursing  school prerequisite courses: Anatomy, Physiology, and  Microbiology. Juggling the responsibilities of work and  family is intense for most of us, but adding challenging  academic demands to the list hasn’t stopped Sam from  reaching for excellence.

Sam knew that he wanted to make changes in his career and join the ranks of licensed professionals in the healthcare field. This seemed like a great way of providing more financial stability for his family, as well as opening a door into a profession in which he could take real pride. He already had completed much of his general education when he learned that the Education Fund could assist him with the core prerequisites for nursing. When he stopped by an outreach event at San Jose Regional Medical Center, Sam talked with Education Fund staff and learned about the S.T.E.P program, which takes students through a multi-semester series of the science prerequisite and support classes necessary for entry into nursing, technical, professional and other allied health professions. He picked up an application and by the following semesters found himself sitting in a 4-unit Anatomy class.

Through his deep determination and hours of study, Sam achieved competitive grades in very challenging classes. This will be to his advantage when he applies for BSN programs later this year at San Jose State University and other colleges in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Like many Education Fund students, Sam is able to strike a balance between being a family man, a healthcare worker and a student largely due to the support of his wife, his managers and co-workers. He and his wife share the responsibilities of taking care of their son, and Sam's managers at work are flexible with his schedule on the days he has classes. His co-workers are also supportive and encouraging, and in turn, Sam keeps them informed about Education Fund programs and services by handing out flyers and applications. His advice to co-workers who are considering going back to school: "I tell them, 'This is it. Go for it. Don't wait." I also tell them to contact the Education Fund and get started right away."

When asked about the most beneficial aspect of the Education Fund’s STEP program, Sam found it hard to pick just one! Besides paying for his books, tuition and registration taken care of, the Education Fund also has helped him see that he has a 'reachable goal and has provided a pathway to get there."