Everyone starts somewhere on the road to success. For Jaines Andrades, her journey began a decade ago when she became a custodian at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.
The job was her stepping stone to the career of her dreams, and thanks to her unfailing determination, she turned that dream into a reality this year!
While custodial work didn’t give Jaines direct experience in the health care field, all she cared about was getting her foot in the door. In doing so, she discovered a valuable lesson.
“I learned as a custodian that every part of the hospital and every person who works in the hospital is important,” she explained.
As time passed, she studied as hard as she worked. Just five years after she was hired, she took on a new role at the hospital – as a registered nurse! Best of all, the incredible milestone only marked the halfway point. Jaines wasn’t finished just yet!
Five years of nursing school later, Jaines switched jobs once again – to become a nurse practitioner in trauma surgery!
To celebrate, she shared a picture of her three hospital badges on Facebook, writing, “10 years of work but it was worth it! I’m a provider at the same place I use to clean.”
What she wants people to take away from the photo is that a person’s starting point doesn’t limit how far they can go.
“I hope that my story can inspire people who feel maybe discouraged by their past or where they come from,” she said. “I just want to let them know, if I can do it, anyone can.”
Congratulations, Jaines! Your journey is such a powerful reminder that when we believe in ourselves, the possibilities are endless!
Share this story to encourage someone who is pursuing their dreams.
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