When Siana Schoppe’s father passed away while she was attending college, she lost her best friend and role model."My father unexpectedly passed away at a very young age and I was, and always will be, totally and completely heartbroken."
A week after his passing, Siana returned to college. She knew that’s what her father would have wanted.
Going through her biggest life challenge thus far, Siana said the CareerCenter was somewhere she could go to for support.
"The CareerCenter was there for me emotionally. Each employee that I have ever conversed with gave their condolences."
Siana first went to the CareerCenter when she was a senior in high school. Her family didn’t have a lot of money, but she knew she wanted to go to school to be an occupational therapist.
The CareerCenter helped make that possible.
"The first day I met with my consultant, she handed me a huge folder filled with scholarship applications."
The CareerCenter also helped Siana find a summer job and enrolled her in the Workforce Investment Act program.
"I rose to the challenge and filled out as many scholarship applications as I could during my senior year. As a result, I was awarded many community-related scholarships, as well as a large renewable scholarship."
Siana finished her third year at Husson University for occupational therapy. She also continues to visit the CareerCenter.
"The CareerCenter has not only opened many doors for me, but also provided me with a financial and emotional support system," said Siana.
Besides financial help, the CareerCenter has also helped Siana with other aspects of college life, such as housing issues and course schedules.
"Especially when first starting off as a freshman, negotiating and navigating your way through the various university processes can be very confusing," said Siana. "It gave me peace of mind knowing that I had someone on my side that was trustworthy, knowledgeable, and who genuinely cared for my needs."
Siana said she has always felt welcome at the CareerCenter.
"Every time I walk in for an appointment, the staff is there with a welcoming smile, asking questions about how I am doing and what has changed for me. Working with the CareerCenter, you are an individual person, not just a client, and the staff treats you with respect and kindness."
Siana said she has the CareerCenter to thank for her continuing success at Husson University. So far, she has made the President’s List for two semesters and the Dean’s List for four semesters. She is involved in campus life.
After graduation, Siana plans to practice as a registered occupational therapist at a nursing home in rural Maine.
"Emotionally, I have gone through a lot with the passing of my father, and it has made me think so much about the value of life. As I look back now, I can truly say that I would not change a single aspect of my life. I know that I am on the right path," said Siana.
"Going to the Maine CareerCenter was one of the best choices I ever made to enhance my future. The relationships I have formed with the staff there will stay with me forever."
