Linh Luangrath’s story came full circle when she accepted a new position—following in the footsteps of those who once helped her change her life.
Before enrolling in Opportunity Junction’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, Linh had spent nine years bartending. She loved her job and cherished her “regulars;” but with her first baby on the way, she knew it was time to build a more stable future for herself and her growing family. Linh dreamed of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) because, as she puts it, “Caring for people has always been my thing!”
She was accepted into Class 2 of Opportunity Junction’s CNA program—the first step toward her long-term goals. Linh was relieved to learn that Opportunity Junction would ease some of the extra stress by providing resources like food, transportation, and more. She explains, “I didn’t just want a paycheck. I wanted to help people,” mentioning how much she learned from the program.
After graduating and beginning her work as a CNA, Linh was partnered with Opportunity Junction’s Alumni Advancement Coach, who helped her create an individualized plan to pursue her next milestone: becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). “I was so grateful that OJ’s support did not stop after training. With Carmela’s help, I was able to get into LVN school and achieve my next certification,” she shares.
While working as an LVN, Linh received a call from Brianna Robinson, CEO at Opportunity Junction. The organization was looking for a CNA instructor for the very program that helped her launch her healthcare career. For Linh, it was a full-circle moment she couldn’t pass up. Though she still plans to continue working toward her long-term goal of becoming an RN, she’s deeply fulfilled by her current role. “I am following in the footsteps of teachers who helped me change my life.”
Today, Linh feels proud of the purposeful work she is doing and the life she is building for her family. “My little ones are thriving. We’re all thriving. I am doing meaningful work that I am proud of, while still having time to prioritize my family. That’s the dream, right?”
