Education is the key to success

Aduk Obang Okway is second from right who is holding flower and her dream certificate. She is one of 15 students graduating from Rochester Community and Technical College on October 10, 2009

October 19, 2009 (Rochester, MN) — Aduk Obang Okway had always dreamed of graduating from college in the United States. But for many years, that dream seemed far away.

When she immigrated from Sudan to U.S.A five years ago, Aduk spoke litile English. The mother of three also was busy raising a family and working part time.

But Aduk persisted. She studied English and earned her GED .  The 37-year-old celebrated having achieved her long-held dream of graduating with a college diploma.

"My heart almost exploded when I knew that I passed the test and I was graduating," she said.

Aduk is one of 15 students graduating from the Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association's Nursing Career Academy on October 10, 2009. The academy partners with Rochester Community and Technical College to help refugees and immigrants become Certified Nursing Assistants. In its third year, the program is funded by a $145,000, five-year grant from the state's Office of Refugee Resettlement. Mayo Clinic also donated $11,000 toward the program.

Courntey Lawson, a program manager with IMAA, said these students have persevered in the face of major challenges. She said English is a second language for all of the students, and many of them are working parents.

"It's incredible to me because I know that so many of them have big families, jobs, and families to take care of back home," Lawson said.

The students come from a wide range of countries including Somalia, Sudan, Thailand and Nicaragua. The program itself is fast-paced and requires students to spend upwards of 15 hours per week in class. That does not include the hours spent with tutors and doing homework.