Tina's story demonstrates that a person can accomplish
anything they put their mind to. As a single mother of a 12-year
old son and a 17-year old daughter, her responsibilities and time
constraints rival even the busiest individuals. Yet somehow, this
amazing woman has managed to work full-time, attend school full-time
and raise two children.Her positive attitude, willingness to learn and ambitious nature are key to her success. Tina was recalled the last time on September 7, 2001. Following the terrorist attacks, she was laid-off again in December 2001. Since she had not been back to work long enough to qualify for unemployment, she had to find a new career very quickly to support her two children.
Before her September 2001 recall to Boeing, Tina had been attending Highline Community College using the IAM Quality Through Training Program's (QTTP) Education Assistance to pursue a paraprofessional educator degree. One day when she was picking up her daughter at Tyee High School, a teacher mentioned there was an immediate opening. She applied and accepted the position, which began in November - even though her Boeing layoff would not happen until December 14th. Since she was on second shift at Boeing, she managed to work at Tyee during the day and still complete her shift at Boeing in the evening - again demonstrating the incredible resolve Tina possesses.
Since her layoff, she has continued using QTTP Education Assistance and will graduate from Highline Community College this spring as a Paraeducator. Yet her education will continue as she pursues higher aspirations. Tina plans to enroll in the Teaching Program at Central Washington University's South campus so she can one day have a classroom of her own.
Tina noted, "Working as a teacher's assistant is a fun and rewarding job. I get to work one-on-one with the kids and really make a difference in their lives. Even though I work 7 hours a day and go to school full time, the job has less stress than working at Boeing because I don't have to constantly worry about job security. As long as there are kids going to school, I will have a job."
"I am thankful for the Union and Company negotiated QTTP benefits that have paid for my schooling. QTTP Counselor Judith Lilly has been wonderful. She provided so much encouragement and helped me have the confidence to pursue my dream. I hadn't been to school for a long time and was worried I couldn't do it," Tina added. "I have been taking 12-15 credits a quarter and will complete my two-year degree next quarter. I'm living proof if you put your mind to it, you can do anything. Layoff is an opportunity to find what you want to do."
To find out more about QTTP's Education Assistance, please call 1-800-235-3453 or check the web site at www.iam-boeing.com.