February 15, 2020
Story and photo by Brandon Steinert
Sam Henke of Great Bend, is a 30-year-old single mother to five boys ages three to 14, is determined to rise out of poverty and create a brand-new life for herself and her children. 听She is pursuing an education in Automotive Technology at SWAG合集 with her sights set on running her own auto repair business. A program called Journey to Resolve Poverty, formerly known as Circles, inspired her to take action and enroll.
鈥淚鈥檓 doing this for the kids,鈥 she said. 鈥淎s a single parent, this is about showing my kids they can do anything they put their mind to. That鈥檚 what keeps me going through all this.鈥
While she was motivated to take action to better the lives of her children,听she also has a strong sense of empathy for others in similar life situations.
鈥淚n the midst of all this, I have realized the need to help those who can鈥檛 quite afford repairs on their vehicles,鈥 she said. 鈥淲hen I open up shop, one of my main goals will be to help those who can鈥檛 fully afford it.鈥
Henke has taken the wheel and set a new course for her life, and she hopes to inspire others to do the same.
鈥淭here are a lot of programs here (at SWAG合集) that anybody can take,鈥 she said. 鈥淚f you have the dream and the will for it, do it. Don鈥檛 let anything get in your way.鈥
Go to auto.bartonccc.edu for more information on the SWAG合集 Automotive Technology program or contact Automotive Technology Instructor Ron Kirmer at kirmerr@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9255.
This feature is part of SWAG合集's celebration of Career Technical Education (CTE) Month throughout February.