Gernean - Graduate, Pharmacy Technician Program
Now that you are graduating from Caroline Center, how are you feeling and what are your plans going
forward?
Right now, for me, it’s like a natural high. I never thought I could believe in myself as much as I do right now.
Coming up, I didn’t have the support of a mother, and that was hard. I went back to school later in my life and
got my diploma in 2002. I guess it wasn’t until my daughter got accepted at Howard University that I thought
about doing something more for myself. But, I didn’t have the faith in myself and the confidence I needed until
I came to Caroline Center. Today, I’m kind of lost for words being so happy about graduation; but when I come
back to reality, I know that I will want to say how grateful I am to Ms. Lingaire and Sr. Kennedy. They helped
me to move forward. A lot of days I just prayed to God to show me a door and for that door to be open. For me,
Caroline Center was that door. I am not finished what I want to accomplish in life, but I know I’m on the right
path now.
Between the time you first came to Caroline Center and today – just before your graduation – how would you
say that you have changed?
Caroline Center has been nothing but a positive influence on me. When I first came here, I had a wall up. I was
very defensive. But, every day, a block would fall off the wall. Now, there is no wall. There is just love. Before
I came here, I spoke without thinking, and I was aggressive. Now, I listen, and I think before I speak. I have
learned that if you don’t listen, you will miss important things in life. The women at Caroline Center are
beautiful and their stories are not so different from mine. There is a real sisterhood here; this is a powerful and
supportive place. Caroline Center taught me that if I put my mind to it, there is nothing that I can’t do. The
women here help each other, and the staff has helped me and all of us so much. Caroline Center has made me a
better person, and that feels good.
How did you find out about Caroline Center?
When I was young, I had some trials and tribulations, but one thing I knew early on was that I wanted to be a
pharm tech. Before I came to Caroline Center, I worked at different jobs, and one of them was in home health
care. I had heard from a friend about Caroline Center, and I wanted to be able to do better in my field and
advance – so, I applied to the CNA (certified nursing assistant) program. But, when my acceptance letter came
in the mail, it said that I was accepted into the Pharm Tech program. I saw it as a sign from God – something
that was meant to be – an answer to my childhood dreams.
If you had one thing to share with a woman who might be thinking of applying to Caroline Center or just a few
words of advice for her, what would that be?
Without a doubt, I would tell her, “give it a chance.” From the first day here, you will feel the love! There are so
many training centers and programs out there, but there is love here. You will find yourself, and you will realize
that you can do it, that you can succeed. I would say that Caroline Center could be for them what it was for me
– a home away from home. A place that feels good just being there. And, a place where you can feel good about
yourself. At Caroline Center, you will definitely discover what you have in you, and you will learn how to set
goals and achieve them. Most of all, I would say that this place is a real stepping stone for sisters – so, get in
here, start learning, and stay motivated to the end. At Caroline Center, there is something more to learn and
people there to help you through every door. You just need to open the doors.