A huge congratulations to recent graduate Jeffin Joe Mathew on recieveing his Associate's Degree in Nursing earlier this year. We wish Jeffin continued success and will continue to support and encourage him along his journey. Let's hear in his own words, what some that that journey has been like and how his participation in Capital IDEA Houston's signature program has impacted his trajectory.
I joined Capital IDEA Houston at the beginning of my Associate’s degree in nursing at Houston Community College in January 2020. I successfully graduated from Houston Community College with my Associate’s degree in Nursing in August 2021. I am Currently studying for my NCLEX. It was a struggle during the program, especially with the Covid issues, but I was able to complete my program.
What are the benefits of accepting sponsorship from Capital IDEA Houston?
First and the most important benefit is financial assistance. Capital IDEA Houston helped me by paying for my college expenses that included tuition fees, uniforms, books, other resources that helped prepare me for my board’s exam. I did not once have to worry about my college expenses.
Capital IDEA Houston did not just help with the college expenses, but they also gave resources that would help with other ways, such as information regarding the covid rental assistance program, free Wi-Fi programs, food assistance program, and so on. They also offered help with my career. They helped me build my resume and gave information on how to attend interviews through the career session.
Another benefit was having a place to vent: Capital IDEA Houston has monthly VIP sessions with the students which was a great place to express our stress. They would actively listen to it and give support. It was also a great place to get tips on how to study, how to be more efficient during the lock down, how to mentally be active and so on.
Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to go to college or finish a training program?
There is always an excuse for not achieving your dream, we always have someone to blame for not reaching the goal we want to, but if you decide to move forward, making those excuses as a challenge, your dream will come true. The only limitation is your imagination. Ask yourself if you want to go back to school, and if your mind says NO and it is IMPOSSIBLE, PROVE IT WRONG! There is no easy way to get your dream to come true. You might fall, you might struggle, you might fail, but if you still get up and strive forward, you will achieve your dream and when you achieve it, all those struggles will be well paid off.
