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It didn't take long for Cathy Zecha to realize that more preparation would be needed to attain her career aspirations. Each attempt to secure a position ended on the same note: "You need a degree." Her search for a school led directly to Brown Mackie College - Salina. Even though the campus was located several hours away from her family and her son, she liked the format of one class per month, and felt comfortable in the supportive campus environment.
She missed her son constantly, but felt that she was securing a better future by attending school. When she received a grade of 'C' in one of her courses, she began to doubt her abilities. "I was upset," she said, "but the support I got from the faculty and staff kept me going." Cathy secured an externship at Kennedy and Coe with help from Phyllis Ross, Chair of the Business Department. Shortly after beginning classes, Cathy joined the workstudy program and secured a part-time job with the North Central Kansas Red Cross. It didn't pay much, but she loved her work and was impressed by the amount of knowledge she gained from the experience.
Eventually, she accepted a position with a Salina accounting firm. While the new position paid more, Cathy missed the Red Cross and they missed her. She returned to the workstudy position and stayed there until she graduated in 2007 with an associate's of science degree in Accounting. Not wanting to lose a model worker, the Red Cross then offered her full time employment.
Today Cathy works as an Administrative Assistant at the North Central Kansas Red Cross. Don't let her title fool you. Her duties range from accounting to maintaining files, and she loves the work. "If you have a dream, don't let anyone or anything hold you back," Cathy said, "Go for it and always remember you can achieve anything in life."
Personal Attention, Professional Growth
About Brown Mackie College
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