Driven by Passion and Purpose: Tarra’s Journey to a Healthcare Career

When Tarra enrolled in WIOA Youth Services at Michigan Works! Southwest on July 22, 2024, she was determined to take charge of her future. At the time, she was attending Comstock Compass High School and expected to graduate in February 2025. After facing challenges in a traditional school setting, Tarra found success in her new learning environment, where she began to thrive both academically and personally.

Her short-term goal was to stay focused on earning her high school diploma while working with a Michigan Works! Southwest Career Coach who could guide her toward a stable and fulfilling career. Her long-term dream was clear; she wanted to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and begin building a career in healthcare.

Although Tarra was confident in her ability to achieve her goals, she recognized that navigating the healthcare industry and finding the right CNA training program could be challenging. That’s when her Career Coach, Rachel Spalvieri-Kruse, stepped in to help her turn those goals into action. Together, they developed a plan that allowed Tarra to stay on track in school while also gaining valuable work experience.

With Rachel’s guidance, Tarra secured part-time employment at Harding’s Market, where she developed strong time management and customer service skills. Balancing work and school was no easy feat, but Tarra remained focused and motivated, showing a level of discipline and determination that impressed her Career Coach.

As Tarra neared graduation, she and Rachel began mapping out her next steps. Rachel introduced her to the CNA training-to-hire program at Bronson Commons in Mattawan, a unique opportunity that would allow Tarra to earn income while completing her certification. Rachel personally reached out to Bronson Commons to recommend Tarra for the program, confident that her commitment and professionalism made her a standout candidate.

Together, they worked through every detail—from completing the application to preparing for the interview. Rachel provided targeted interview coaching, helping Tarra refine her answers, build confidence, and feel ready for the questions she would face. When interview day arrived, Tarra was well-prepared and confident. Her efforts paid off—she was accepted into the CNA training-to-hire program and began her new journey in healthcare.

While completing her CNA training, Tarra continued to display the same perseverance that had brought her this far. She balanced her work responsibilities with her studies and remained focused on her long-term goals. During this time, Rachel also encouraged her to apply for scholarships to support her education. With Rachel’s help and a letter of recommendation, Tarra was awarded the YOU Scholarship through the KRESA Foundation.

In April 2025, she proudly walked across the stage to accept her scholarship—an emotional and well-earned moment of recognition for all her hard work.

Tarra’s momentum continued. After completing her training, she successfully passed the State of Michigan CNA certification exam in August 2025. Her dedication and persistence paid off as she officially earned her certification and began her new role as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Bronson Commons, earning $15.90 per hour.

“[Michigan Works! Southwest] changed my life for the better,” Tarra shared. “My coach Rachel guided me every step of the way to becoming a CNA — from building confidence to working toward getting certified. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I wouldn’t have done it without their guidance.”

Today, Tarra is a high school graduate and thriving in her new career. Her story is one of perseverance, growth, and purpose. She overcame challenges in school, balanced multiple responsibilities, and transformed her goals into reality through dedication and hard work. With guidance from her Career Coach, Rachel Spalvieri-Kruse, and the support of Michigan Works! Southwest, Tarra’s determination has led her from the classroom to a promising career in healthcare—driven by passion, purpose, and a bright future ahead.