Satisfying a Thirst for Knowledge

Best-selling books on reaching personal goals have flown off the shelves for decades. Authors find new ways to encourage people to find their passion, stay optimistic and believe in themselves. The books are written for people who have a hard time staying focused. Colorado Solutions’ customer Katrin Cihan has some advice for them: “Stop thinking about it and get started.”

This motivated 24-year-old has her eye on CNA certification so she can find her place in health care. “I’m not thinking about working with a certain age group; I want to support people who need help getting where they want to go,” she said as she walked to the Pikes Peak Community College campus in downtown Colorado Springs. Katrin receives support for her educational goals and other ambitions through Colorado Solutions’ Life Essentials program.

Life Essentials Specialist Cheryl Dailey works with Katrin, helping tutor her through some of her most perplexing homework problems and talking with her teacher to understand what supports Katrin needs to be successful. “Katrin’s teacher, Kym Clayton, understands students who need extra help understanding math,” Cheryl explained. Kym helps Katrin and her other students find new ways to look at math so they can overcome their anxieties from past math classes.

Cheryl also added they are working on ways to make it easier for Katrin to get to classes and complete her homework. “We’re working on getting a donated computer that Katrin can keep in her apartment. That way she can get online at home, and it will be easier for her to do her homework,” Cheryl said. “She also wants to drive, so we are helping her look at all the steps that go into getting ready for that.”

“Katrin is inspiring, and she has a deeply rooted drive to succeed,” Cheryl noted. “My job is to help her reach her dream and support her as she takes all the small steps along the way.” Katrin’s life is moving in a positive direction, and she’s enjoying the new experiences that community college is opening up for her. “I feel like I’m finally getting started. I love school, and I know I can do it,” she said.

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Learn more about the Life Essentials program.