Abby Stevenson

Abby Stevenson’s journey to becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) began when they started experiencing bouts of severe headaches. After trying medication and weight loss without relief, Stevenson finally went to the emergency room. There, doctors discovered a rare brain condition that required surgery.

After months of recovery and a move to the Chicagoland area in 2022, Stevenson decided they wanted to return to school and pursue a new career path.

Enrolling at Triton College, Stevenson felt a community college would be the best option, especially since the surgery had created financial strain.

“Shortly after enrolling at Triton, I realized I couldn’t afford college,” they said. “I was about to quit. Luckily, completion specialist Jesus Lopez from WEI intervened.” Lopez is a completion and transition specialist with Triton College’s Workforce Empowerment Initiative.

Through that connection, Stevenson learned about the Workforce Empowerment Initiative (WEI) and was ready to take advantage of the many opportunities the program offered. Stevenson was drawn to WEI’s focus on empowering students from underrepresented communities and offering them an opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials.

“I knew I wanted to pursue something in the medical field since I spent a lot of time in the hospital,” said Stevenson. “The EMT I met in the ER advocated for me. That meant a lot.”

Through WEI, Stevenson completed the Emergency Medical Technology (EMT) Program at Triton, which prepares students for roles in fire departments, ambulance services, medical facilities and emergency rooms.

After completing the program, Stevenson attended Triton College’s Career Fair, where they distributed their resume to several towns seeking EMTs.

As a result, Stevenson was hired as an EMT for a private ambulance company and currently works in the City of Elmhurst. They recently learned how to drive an ambulance.

Looking ahead, Stevenson is considering additional career paths, including becoming an emergency room technician, paramedic or even a nurse.

Without the assistance of WEI, Stevenson’s career path may have looked very different.

“WEI completely changed my life,” they said. “I almost didn’t go to school at all. I have a career now.”

Beyond financial support, Stevenson noted the encouragement received from WEI staff and Triton faculty.

“I didn’t believe in myself very much,” Stevenson said. “The teachers at Triton seemed to believe in me more than I believed in myself. I really appreciate them.”