Heritage Continues to Grow,
Opens a New School in Little Rock
Welcome to the family Little Rock!
Heritage College opened its doors here in the Arkansas capital this past summer, becoming the eighth and newest member of the Heritage family. The school, housed in a glass-front, sleek new building, has received a warm, Southern welcome.
“People here have been extremely friendly and accommodating,” said campus Director Anjean McCole. “Everyone knows your name, and they ask how you’re doing. They’ve made us feel right at home.”
McCole said the reception has been even better than expected. The school opened for business on June 1st, and the phones were ringing off the hook the first day. Classes began in late July and there are already over 200 students.
“We’ve been in the West, the East and in Florida,” said Heritage Education President Richard Shepard, who oversees the company’s eight campuses. “This was a new geographic market that was unique and something we hadn’t done before. We felt like it was an underserved market for career colleges.”
Heritage is the only career college in Arkansas to offer programs for X-Ray Medical Technician® and Personal Fitness Trainer, and it’s one of the few to offer Pharmacy Technician.
Little Rock had been on the company radar for the past few years, but the challenge was finding the right location and building for the new school. Shepard eventually found a beautiful single-story building in a nice area in the west section of Little Rock.
“The school is quite unique in that it’s located in an area that borders a residential neighborhood,” Shepard said. “There’s a lot of trees and greenery in the area, and a big park nearby. It has a very comfortable feel to it.”
The new school building was completely renovated inside and designed just for Heritage. It features an extra large X-Ray room that can accommodate 20 students, a personal fitness trainer classroom that has equipment and lab in the same space, a library with personal computers, and a student lounge with a flat-screen television, among many amenities.
McCole, the school’s director, said students continually tell her how glad they are that Heritage opened. “They tell me they’ve been waiting for this.” McCole said recent student surveys show 98% had a favorable rating.
Heritage Education began in 1999 and currently operates career colleges in Denver, Wichita, Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Florida and Manassas, Virginia.
Professional Athletes Train
Fitness Students in Fort Myers
Students in the Personal Fitness Trainer Program at Heritage Institute in Fort Myers are getting more than classroom instruction. Thanks to a pair of dynamic instructors, who are also semi-professional athletes, they’re getting an inside look at the competitive side of the fitness industry.
Maurice Jones and Jim Dundon are officially teachers in the Personal Fitness Trainer Program. Unofficially, they’re the big men on campus, so to speak. Jones and Dundon are both weightlifters who actively train and compete in their sport.
Jones, who is 6 feet, 1 inch and 220 pounds, is a body builder who recently placed an impressive 7th in the Heavyweight Class at the NPC (National Physique Committee) Florida State Bodybuilding Championship in Orlando. This was a great showing in a large event. Last year, the 33-year-old Jones competed in the NPC Royal Palm Classic in Ft. Myers and the NPC Tampa Bay Classic. The events draw hundreds of participants and require them to display their bodies and muscles in peak form.
Dundon, 44, uses his weight training to compete in strongman competitions, which usually involve a variety of events aimed at showing one’s overall strength. This could include lifting weights, flipping heavy truck tires a certain distance or even moving large stones. Dundon, who is 6-foot-0, and 245 pounds, won the Master’s Division at the Southwest Florida Strongman Competition in Fort Myers this past July. This is the largest strongman competition in Florida with over 1,700 attendees.
In addition, Dundon is the Youth/Teen/Junior/Collegiate Chairman for USA Powerlifting in Florida. The organization, which promotes healthy training for fitness enthusiasts, holds competitive events around the state throughout the year.
“We’re really proud of our team here at Heritage,” said Carol Stockdale, who manages the Personal Fitness Training Program.
As Jones and Dundon go through the training and recovery process, Heritage students are getting a unique and first-hand look at real-life experiences in their field. They hope it provides a competitive advantage when they graduate.
Oklahoma City Student
New Health Ambassador
As Heritage College in Oklahoma City enters its eighth year in existence, the hard work and dedication of previous graduates are helping provide unique opportunities for new generations of students.
Case in point is Brian Rojas, a 26-year-old student in the Personal Fitness Trainer Program. Rojas was recently rewarded with a prestigious and first-of-its-kind internship from the Oklahoma City-County Health Department. He’s serving as a fitness ambassador for a pilot program aimed at educating minorities about the risks of diabetes. If the internship and program go well, Rojas could be hired full time.
The special opportunity for Rojas came about because of Heritage’s good reputation in the community. When an official from the Health Department was looking for someone with expertise in Personal Fitness Training, they relied on a recommendation from the city’s YMCA. The YMCA has a long-standing relationship with Heritage. It has sponsored many of the school’s students for internships and is aware the school is always looking for challenges beyond the typical gym experience.
That strong association resulted in a phone call from Allyson Drain, a registered dietician who works with the Health Department’s new Diabetes Prevention and Outreach Program. The program’s mission is to educate minority populations, specifically Hispanic and African Americans, on the prevention of diabetes through diet and exercise. Drain spoke with Carlos Cruz, a member of Heritage’s Career Service Department, which assists students with internships and jobs. Cruz immediately thought of Rojas.
Rojas had just finished the classroom portion of his program and was preparing for an internship. In addition to his personal training skills, he is well versed in the martial arts and teaches Taekwondo. The City-County Health Department did not necessarily need someone who was bilingual, but the fact that the Spanish-speaking Rojas could add that to his resume didn’t hurt. The quality that sealed the deal, however, was his caring attitude. Rojas’ instructors and others that know him describe him as a caring person who wants to give back to the community.
In his highly visible internship, Rojas is responsible for visiting with community members to discuss fitness regimens that promote wellness and to direct exercise programs. In addition to the group sessions, he assists the public with individualized training programs.
“A lot of the people Brian meets aren’t going to go to a gym and hire a trainer, but they still benefit greatly from some type of exercise,” said Cheryl Morris, the Director at Heritage College in Oklahoma City. “So, he’s providing a real service to those who need it and expanding on his education at the same time.”
And although the Health Department’s program is still in its infancy, it is been well received so far. Morris hopes Rojas’ willingness to serve the community will benefit him and future students, as well.
Jacksonville Students Engage in
their Own Version of “The Apprentice”
For students in Kevin Robertson’s Business Management class at Heritage Institute in Jacksonville, the goal is never to hear those fateful words, “You’re fired!”
Taking a cue from the popular reality television show “The Apprentice”, Robertson has incorporated weekly tasks into his classes. The tasks focus on teamwork, professionalism, and, of course, meeting goals, much like on the show starring legendary businessman Donald Trump. Instead of competing for a job, though, the class splits into teams with objectives of learning more about marketing, competition and customer service. They also learn how the materials taught in the business class fit into their chosen career fields. All of this is done to help them complete particular areas of their individual business plan at the end of the class.
Each week, students are given a different mission and then given time during class to work as a team to complete that assignment. The most exciting aspect is to see the students band together and compete, as it makes them truly emphasize the skills and aspects required to successfully create or run a business.
In recent weeks, the class was filled with Esthetician students, so product creation and marketing of “a new spa” was a highlighted undertaking for them. Students went above and beyond to decorate, market, and sell their product to other classes, who then came in to judge the outcome during break times.
“Having other students judge the weekly competition is another huge step,” says Robertson, a former business major who started teaching at the school last year. “It forces my students to consider who they are selling their services or products to, and they get the opportunity to talk about why something worked or did not work. The results, in terms of student understanding, are great!”
Students in the Massage Therapy, X-Ray Medical Technician®, Personal Fitness Trainer and Esthetician programs are all required to take six weeks of Business Management class in order to earn their degree. The goal is to give them a head start following graduation, in case they decide to buy or start up their own business.
Said Jacksonville Director Sonnie Willingham: “Our students often see people who run their own business, and we want them to understand what it takes. There’s planning, zoning, accounting, lots of things that go into starting a business. We’re helping them prepare if that’s the route they chose.
Robertson said he plans to further develop “The Apprentice” idea in future classes in hopes that he can keep students engaged and excited about the business aspect of their chosen profession for a long time to come.
Manassas Massagers
Help Set World Record
A group of Heritage students has landed in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Massage Therapy students from Heritage Institute in Manassas, Virginia, helped break the world record for the most people being simultaneously massaged. A total of 167 people were massaged at the same time during an event in Washington D.C. on October, 25th. The previous record of 154 was held by the United Kingdom.
The event was held in conjunction with the 34th Marine Corps Marathon, one of the biggest marathons held in the country with over 21,000 runners this year.
A group of 10 Heritage students, along with Program Manager Walter Allen, volunteered their services along with dozens of other massage therapists from around the area. The record was set at 11:45 a.m. on a warm, sunny day in Washington D.C. Many of the people who received massages participated in the marathon.
This is the fifth consecutive year Heritage has participated in the Marine Corps Marathon.
“It was an awesome event,” said Heritage’s Director of Education, Alisha Mondlach. “The whole thing was so well planned and organized, and it was quite a sight to see all those massages being done. Our students really enjoyed the opportunity to participate. It’s a great thing to be a part of.”
Since no one from the Guinness Book of World Records was on hand, the event was videotaped and sent to the organization for submission. Records that are validated are posted within one month from when they were established.
The Faces of Heritage
Inspirational Personal Stories from the Hallways of Heritage
Damigou Moukdagou
Age: 26
School: Heritage Institute in
Manassas, Virginia
Program: X-Ray Medical Technician®
Hometown: Dapaong, Togo (West Africa)
Damigou Moukdagou began class at Heritage this past June, but her journey to the school was a long one. She was born and raised in the small West African country of Togo and grew up in a rural town in the north, where she worked as a mid-wife nurse. Two years ago, she applied and won a lottery that granted her a green card to immigrate to the United States. She was excited and scared at the same time. She had just started a new medical program in Togo, she had no family in the U.S. and her English was limited. Her only vision of America was what she’d seen in movies. Nonetheless, Moukdagou took the big risk and made the long journey to the Washington D.C. area. She dreamed of getting back into a medical program but not knowing the language was a detriment. Over the past two years, she worked hard to learn English. Once she was comfortable with it, she started looking for a program to join. She had seen commercials for Heritage on television and called for an appointment. She was immediately drawn to the XMT program. Staff members say they feel lucky Moukdagou chose Heritage and that she has been a joy in classroom. Eager to learn, she is like a sponge soaking up as much knowledge as she can. Sharing her country, her culture and her visions with fellow students and faculty has taught everyone how lucky they are to be living in a melting pot. Moukdagou said that when she graduates next year she hopes to find a job and stay in the U.S.
Erin Wehry
Age: 31
School: Heritage College in Wichita, Kansas
Department: Career Services
Hometown: Eureka, Kansas
Like most places in the country, Wichita is not immune to the current economic challenges. And for many Heritage students, who are both in school and about to graduate, working has never been more important. It is a matter of survival. No one understands that better than Erin Wehry, who has not only persevered, but thrived, as a member of the school’s Career Services Department. Wehry’s job is to help students find jobs, and her success rate has been astounding. Students who seek her services are given more than a job lead. They’re tutored on writing a good resume, given mock interviews, offered wardrobe tips for going out on interviews, and, of course, provided job leads. It’s not uncommon for a student to come out of Career Services with a list of as many as 120 potential employers. Wehry will find any job she can for a student, even if it’s just helping them get a foot in the door of a place they want to work. With over 700 students currently enrolled at the school, Wehry stays extremely busy. But she’s always the first to offer a smile and a hug. Her positive attitude and constant encouragement has brought a lot of joy to the hallways of Heritage. “She goes so far out of her way to help people,” said Kala LeGrande, who works as the school’s retention coordinator. “She doesn’t let anything get her down. You really have to meet her in person to understand how unique and special she is. She makes everyone around her a better person.” Wehry, who worked as a paralegal assistant before starting at Heritage, says her faith and desire to help people is what drives her. During her personal time, she and her family pass out blankets to the homeless, volunteer at their church, and provide toys to needy children. Also, once a month, they donate unused items from their home to the Salvation Army. She carries that philanthropic attitude to work. “I believe in each and every human being, and by helping those in need I receive the greatest gift of happiness,” Wehry said.
Alumni Spotlight
Success Stories from Recent Heritage Graduates
Key to Career Programs:
XMT X-Ray Medical Technician
MT Massage Therapist
PFT Personal Fitness Trainer
PT Pharmacy Technician
EST Esthetician
ST Surgical Technologist
CSM Cosmetologist
MA Medical Assistant
DENVER, CO:
Osman Dahiri, XMT: Osman has been such a good asset to the Denver Health Clinic that he has already been offered a job upon completion of his internship. He will work in their support float pool. Osman maintained an “A” average and a 98% attendance.
Devin Herrera, PT: Devin started his internship at University Hospital in late July, and just two days later he was admitted to the hospital for a foot infection. He had surgery and was put in a cast. As soon as he was out of the hospital (the following week), Devin resumed his internship on crutches and is doing a fantastic job.
Jennifer Zepp, MT: Jennifer was plagued with medical issues throughout class and her internship at Mission Chiropractic. She was in and out of the hospital from multiple surgeries but never quit. She is currently in the process of starting a massage practice.
FORT MYERS, FL:
Student Update:
Shannon Myrick (on the left) is a single parent who was struggling to make ends meet when she enrolled at Heritage Institute in Fort Myers, Florida, in 2007. She was employed as a manager of a liquor store, earning $8 an hour and working nights and weekends. She knew she had to make a change.
Myrick enrolled in the popular X-Ray Medical Technician® program. While attending school, she always had a quick smile and a pleasant demeanor. She was very motivated. Myrick had a successful internship at Lifestyles Chiropractic in Fort Myers and graduated last year. Initially, she was hired at a local pediatric office, but when a full-time position opened at Lifestyles Chiropractic she applied and was hired. The clinic, run by Dr. Todd Wickman, has trained and hired many Heritage students. In addition, Wickman is on the school’s advisory board.
At Lifestyles Chiropractic, Myrick has flourished. She is a nationally certified medical assistant and also earned a basic machine operator’s license through the State of Florida.
Myrick recently called the Career Service office at Heritage to offer an opportunity for students to train to become a Registered Chiropractic Assistant in Florida while on internship. She is also now a RCA and will train them to be certified. This certification will make graduates even more marketable in the workforce.
Myrick is now a Heritage advisory board member and a frequent motivational guest speaker at the school. She achieved all of this in less than two years, a testament to her will and desire and the opportunities provided to her by the school.
Mary Beth Ahlstrom, PT: Mary Beth had worked hard in the restaurant industry since she was 16. Now 20, she recently completed her internship in the Cardinal Health Nuclear Pharmacy and was hired upon completion. She eventually hopes to become a Nuclear Pharmacist.
Joseph Boudreau, PT: Joseph worked three different part time jobs, but he desired to have a career in medicine. At Heritage, he was a straight “A” student and also earned his national certification. He was hired directly following his internship at Cardinal Health and is now working in the Nuclear Pharmacy that makes cancer fighting drugs.
Jerry Dillow, XMT: Jerry had to walk five miles every day to catch a bus to attend school. His perseverance paid off when he was assigned an internship at PAR Services, Inc., a methadone clinic. His supervisor said Jerry was an outstanding intern and immediately offered him a job.
JACKSONVILLE, FL:
Jamila Langavin, MT: Jamila was a Reiki Master (a Japanese technique for stress reduction/relaxation) before enrolling at Heritage. She now plans to combine her experience by opening a therapeutic massage and holistic healing studio. It will have three rooms and is the beginning of a dream come true.
Jeffrey Osborne, XMT: After completing his internship at Physicians Medical Center, Jeffrey was offered a part-time job. He continued to work hard and was hired on full time. He also recently passed his BMO exam (Basic Machine Operator for X-Ray).
KANSAS CITY, MO:
Lori Bass, XMT: Lori finished her internship at Rustici Chiropractic and was offered a job that she loves. As a chiropractic assistant she works with insurance, shoots and processes x-rays, does patient intake and various front office duties. She has even learned how to take 360 degree x-rays and operate different equipment.
Ryanne Newton, MT: Ryanne recently achieved her longtime dream of becoming a massage therapist. She first started at Heritage in 2004 but had to drop out for personal reasons. She re-enrolled this past February and graduated in June. She was hired at a local massage clinic and recently received her license from the state of Missouri.
MANASSAS, VA:
Kenia M. Garcia Arias, CSM: Kenia is living a childhood dream by working in the salon she often visited with her mother while growing up. She is a licensed cosmetologist and color specialist for The Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon & Spa in Arlington, VA.
Otelia Simon, MT, Universal Health: Otelia volunteered with other students to provide massages for the Washington Redskins football team during training camp last year. She networked so well that she was able to retain a couple of the players as clients. She also works full time at Massage Envy in Potomac, MD.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK:
Lindsey Ashley, EST: Lindsey recently moved to Los Angeles to enhance her training and is attending The Studio Makeup Academy. As soon as she graduates, she will be pursuing a career as a Special Effects Makeup Artist in Hollywood.
Kim Raymond, ST: Every hospital and surgery center that Kim rotated through offered her a position after she finished school. She decided to accept the offer from the Foundation Surgery Center and started her job just two days after finishing her internship.
Jesslyn Cody Stull, MT: After finishing her internship at OU Medical Center, Jesslyn quickly built up a clientele and recently opened her own clinic, Metro Family Massage. She is taking Heritage students for internships.
WICHITA, KS:
Tiffany Kambi, MA: Following her successful internship at Advanced Pain Medicine, Tiffany was offered the position of Office Manager at Onpoint Physical Therapy. She is in charge of managing all paper and electronic files, assisting patients with questions regarding treatments and scheduling appointments.
Michelle Martin, PT: A stay at home mother of three, Michelle excelled with the support of her family. Three weeks into her internship, she was offered a position at her internship site, Cardinal Health Nuclear Pharmacy.
Don Olson, MT: One of Don’s repeat clients is a real estate agent who helped him secure a prime location in Wichita’s main business district. He successfully opened up his own business, Touch of an Angel Massage.
Campus News
Happenings from the Heritage Schools
DENVER
The U.S. Rugby Team visited the school twice this past year. The team works exclusively with Heritage for all massages when it’s in Denver. The National 7’s team was in town for two weeks in May and came in with 20 players. Massage students had the opportunity to work on the players for a few hours. The players said it really helped during their training and recovery • Two employees at the school were recognized for awards at the Colorado Assn. of Career Colleges and Schools Annual Meeting on October 16th. Nancy Boucneau received Staff Member of the Year Meritorious Recognition plaque (second place), and Elizabeth Apodaca was a finalist for Faculty Member of the Year. Boucneau is an Education Specialist who prepares individuals to take their GED exams and tutors existing students in all subjects. Apodaca is a Medical Assistant Instructor who mentors other teachers and is highly regarded by her students.
FORT MYERS
The popular “Half-Way There” party was brought back this past summer and once again was a hit with students. The “Half-Way There” Party is a gathering of all students who have successfully completed 50% of their Heritage programs toward graduation. The celebration is meant to fan the graduate flame that burns in every student, keeping them on fire for education and career development. In a specially decorated room, each student receives a certificate congratulating them for being “half-way” toward the completion of their career program. Each student’s photo is taken, and they are gifted with a pin stating, “Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars!” Students are asked to share their motivation for enrolling with Heritage and their current motivation to complete their specific programs. Every response is shared to encourage all and remind students where they came from and where they plan to go.
JACKSONVILLE
More than 50 staff and students participated in the first Vampire Day blood drive in July. The event benefited the Florida-Georgia blood alliance, which collected 31 units of blood. Volunteers were encouraged to dress up like vampires and received temporary tattoos so that everyone had bite marks. Refreshments were served, including garlic breadsticks with marinara sauce and red punch. The event was such a success that another one was scheduled for Halloween weekend • The school has a new Facebook group page to help students and graduates stay connected with Heritage and each other. Search for Heritage Institute – Jacksonville to join the group and keep up with events and other announcements • Pharmacy Tech students showed ingenuity by making their own lotion for students in the Massage Therapy program. Essential oils were added to achieve a fragrance that is pleasing to massage clients.
KANSAS CITY
The school added an Associates of Occupational Studies Esthetics program to its course offerings. To accommodate the program, 5,000 square feet was acquired on the facility’s first floor for the addition of a new esthetician lab. A new spa was also built for this program, as well as the Massage Therapy Program. This gives students the opportunity to provide massage and esthetic services to the public • The school hosted Aerotek Staffing, a large staffing firm for the allied health sector, to interview graduates and students on campus for employment opportunities.
MANASSAS
XMT students recently participated in the first Heritage Clinic Day. The campus was transformed into a simulated clinic, and staff and students were assigned duties such as medical assistants, limited scope x-ray operators, front desk MA’s and even patients. The patients were escorted throughout the clinic to receive treatment for various illnesses and injuries that ranged from colds to broken bones to the H1N1 virus. Clinic workers were surprised by OSHA teams (made up of students) that enforced rules, issued fines, and shut down the clinic for a period of time • Two prominent local businessmen headlined a class presentation titled “Entrepreneurship – What it takes to be successful.” They shared their expertise in business planning and strategy, legal structure, and financing a venture. A. Jerome Fowlkes, a financial analyst, and Lorenzo McRae, an attorney, also are both owners/franchisees for Great Clips salons in the Northern Virginia area. Great Clips is currently the largest select services salon in the U.S. Guest speakers are an integral part of the education in Manassas.
OKLAHOMA CITY
The school celebrated Constitution Day on September 17th. Students did classroom quizzes, which had questions revolving around constitution facts. The education staff dressed up in constitution era dress to raise awareness of the day • Heather Winlock, a student in the Esthetician Program, volunteered an entire week of her time for the Oklahoma City Humane Society. She was one of seven volunteers who participated in a daring program to help bring awareness to the plight of chained up animals and their inhumane treatment. Participants were chained up in a dog-size house for a week and provided bare necessities. Winlock survived the ordeal and said her perspective on the care of animals completely changed.
WICHITA
Students from the Personal Fitness Trainer class spent an afternoon at Our Lady of Lourdes Campus, a local rehabilitation center. Their patients are survivors of head and spinal cord injuries, orthopedic problems, stroke, multiple sclerosis, arthritis and many other conditions. The center was referred by Heritage student Chris Ryberg. Ryberg is in a wheelchair and wanted to have the class play wheelchair basketball. All the students had a great time and really enjoyed themselves • A group of Massage Therapy students volunteered their time and service at the Kansas County Treasurers Assn. fundraiser. The money raised went to the group’s Legislative Fund.
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A Joyous Second Chance at Life for
Little Rock Student and Mother
by Eric Shepard
LITTLE ROCK – For Melody Wilkins, the greatest gift this holiday season is not the decorations on the outside
of the house. It’s not the Christmas tree she and her three children cut from a local farm. It’s not even the presents they will put underneath it.
For Wilkins, who is now a student in the X-Ray Medical Tech® Program at Heritage College in Little Rock, the most wonderful gift is simply being alive to share the holidays with her kids.
Three years ago, Wilkins nearly died while giving birth to her third child, a son she named Chase. All she remembers from that day is being prepared to for a C-Section delivery and then hearing panic in the room. Her doctor was shouting out orders to the nurses,
and then Wilkins heard the words, “We’re losing her. She has two kids at home, we can’t let her go.”
Wilkins, who was 30 years old at the time, was stabilized
and put on a ventilator. Family and friends were told the staff had done all they could do and the rest was in God’s hands. Miraculously, Wilkins regained consciousness several days later, on Valentine’s Day.
When Wilkins woke up, she was told that she had suffered from placenta accrete. It’s a rare and severe obstetric complication that occurs when the placenta attaches too deep in the uterine wall but it does not penetrate the uterine muscle. She had severe blood loss and her heart had to be shocked multiple times. But Wilkins had survived. And her son was normal and healthy.
“At first, I couldn’t comprehend what had happened,” Wilkins recalls. “But I was so happy to be home with my kids. They needed me.”
Because of the numerous shocks to her heart, Wilkins developed atrial fibrillation.
It’s a condition, also known as AF, which causes abnormal heart rhythm. She controls it now with medication.
Wilkins has been in and out of doctor’s offices and hospitals the past three years. She’s seen the good, and the not so good, side of the medical field. She appreciates the health workers who really
listen and care. So, when Wilkins got laid off earlier this year from her job as a payroll accountant for a construction
company, she thought about the medical field.
“I vowed to never get laid off again with my children. I needed something better,” said Wilkins, who lives in Benton, Arkansas outside Little Rock. “I chose XMT® because I’ve been through so much and want to be one of those people who understands the other side. It’s important to me.”
Wilkins is a single mother juggling school and family
life. Her kids have been extremely supportive, and she said it’s a joyous time for the four of them. “I feel I’m in my place,” Wilkins said. “Maybe this is why I was spared to be here. It helps me be a better parent, and my career has great new meaning.”
New Year's Resolutions
Heritage Student and Faculty Wishes for 2010
DENVER:
Brad Chalupa, PFT student: “To assist my first client in reaching and achieving her fitness goals.”
Jonathan Stock, PFT student: “Adapt my East Coast communication skills to reflect my new surrounding in Colorado.”
FORT MYERS:
Lana Allard, XMT student: “Graduate from Heritage Institute with straight A’s.”
Leslie Dunckelman, Career Service Coor.: “Master Microsoft Office Outlook 2007.”
Jody Farr, XMT student: “Be more tolerant and patient with others.”
Cliff Vinson, MT Program Manager: “Increase my chicken flock to 200 and increase my number of bee hives and honey production toward an increase in my personal sales of eggs and honey.”
KANSAS CITY
Lydia Gatlin, XMT student: “Graduate from Heritage and finish my Bachelor’s degree.”
Peggy Jenkins, XMT student: “Quit smoking and get into my career.”
Harold Steward, PFT student: “Expand my business and become a better dad and overall person. Accomplish my goals.”
JACKSONVILLE
Pedro Mata XMT student: “Learn new healthy hobbies like boxing, skating, and music, and I would also like to learn more about math, physics, and biochemistry.”
Tammy Williams, XMT student: “Keep making good grades, keep encouraging myself to be the best that I can be, get healthy and stay that way and live life to the fullest!”
LITTLE ROCK
Dominique Beasley, XMT student: “Finish school, find a good job at a great place that I enjoy going to everyday, and make my mother proud of me for doing something with my life.”
Carrie Eubanks, XMT student: “Make a lifestyle change. This includes eating healthy, exercise regularly and stop smoking.”
Lamott Johnson, XMT student: “Do better in school, make all “A’s, and just be the best person that I can be at home, work, and school.”
Chaqueta Jones, PT student: “Finish college and provide a good life for my newborn child.”
MANASSAS
Tiffany Albright, XMT student: “Quit smoking and lose weight.”
Veronica Espinosa, MT student: “Take full advantage of all opportunities that come my way.”
James Galimah, PT student: “Take the national exam for Pharm Tech.”
OKLAHOMA CITY
Jodi Burr, PT Instructor: “To pet a cow before I turn 30.”
Amanda Corless, MT student: “To get my own house for my family.”
Antonio Garrett, PFT student: “To stop procrastinating.”
Floyd Houston, XMT student: “To better help the misfortunate.”
WICHITA
Chris Lyons, PFT student: “Get my business up and going and to change at least 3 peoples lives in a positive way.”
Damion Powell, PFT student: “Go to church more and be worry free.”
Antrease Roberts, XMT student: “Complete this course, graduate top of my class and move back to Texas and get a job at a GI Surgery Center.”
Campus Holiday News
Holiday News and Stories from the Heritage Schools
DENVER
Grace Aldrich is an XMT instructor who has truly felt the holiday spirit at school this year. Her 18-year-old son reported for Marine Boot Camp on December 7th. She was missing him even before he left. Students in her class, and even those she doesn’t know, have been offering hugs and support. Sometimes it’s just a friendly smile and greeting. Said Aldrich: “I pass students in the hall that I haven’t had in class, but they know who I am, and they say ‘Hi, Ms. Grace’. They ask how my son is doing. Their warmth makes you feel that you are making a difference to someone else and there is no greater feeling.”
FORT MYERS
Student Adam Skocik said his best Christmas present this year is graduating from the Personal Fitness Trainer Program. Last year, he and his girlfriend moved to Florida without much of a plan. Skocik found Heritage Institute while job hunting and said it changed his life. He earned good grades, and during his internship at local health club, Fit Forever, he was named Head Trainer. He was recently rewarded for his good work by being asked to host a fitness clinic sponsored by the club at local residential community for active seniors. The event was a big success. Skocik will celebrate Christmas with a degree, a new career and a new wife. Yes, he and his girlfriend just married.
JACKSONVILLE
Jacksonville students kick off the holiday break with a big holiday celebration on December 18th. The school will host a catered Southern-themed lunch with such savory dishes as chicken marsala, corn bread dressing and sweet potato pie. Dress attire is casual, but students are encouraged to look through their closet and participate in the ugliest sweater contest. The event will conclude with a “Clue” style mystery game.
KANSAS CITY
For the third year in a row, staff, faculty, students and their families are invited for a Christmas Dinner party. The event will be held at the school on December 21st. Two members of the Education Dept. will purchase and prepare the side items, while the meat is being catered. More than 200 guests are expected.
LITTLE ROCK
The school has put up an Angel Tree, which is designed to help create a wonderful Christmas for the children of some students who otherwise be doing without. Students and faculty are encouraged to help the nearly forty students by selecting an ornamental tag and purchasing and wrapping a gift. Gifts will be given out from December 21st to the 23rd.
MANASSAS
Students recently organized a food drive to benefit The Carpenter Shelter of Northern Virginia. Heather Armiger was the student leader for the food drive, assisted by Barion Harris, Carolyn Dottery, Evangela Wright, and Tiffany Embrey. Cosmetology instructor Elizabeth Thompson was the faculty member who helped organize the activity. The goal was to collect 400 items for the shelter, and the campus was able to bring in an incredible 723 items, plus $83 to buy frozen turkeys. Many families will benefit from the items collected, and it was a great way to kick off the holiday season.
OKLAHOMA CITY
This Christmas is a time of great celebration and reflection for Charlotte Lane, a Massage Therapy student about to graduate. Last holiday season, Lane was new at Heritage and faced numerous personal struggles. When her instructor, Matt Mayfield, and classmates found out that Lane and her two children were without furniture and sleeping on makeshift beds, they pulled together to create their own Christmas miracle for Lane’s family. Classmates surprised her by providing bunk beds and a dresser. They donated gift cards and toys. Lane said she’ll never forget the generosity during such a difficult time. “The students here at Heritage have been like family. If it weren’t for them, my children wouldn’t have enjoyed any sort of Christmas last year. Ever since then they have continued to be very encouraging to me.”
WICHITA
Edwin Arroyo is yet another Heritage student who feels particularly blessed this holiday season. Nearly three years ago, Arroyo was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. He felt it was the end of his life and became deeply depressed. With the help of his doctors he defeated his depression and learned to live with diabetes. Having diabetes encouraged him to get an education in the medical field. He wanted to do something to help people. Arroyo, a single father of a 10-year-old son, says “don’t let any type of illness stop you from getting an education.” He is currently a top student in the XMT program.
