Sandra Veysey
Age: 56 (but I feel 25)
Hometown: Hodgdon, Maine (near Houlton)
Education: University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI)
Apprenticeship position: Education Technician II
Employer: Hodgton Elementary School
What kind of training or experience did you have prior to your Apprenticeship?
I tutored and taught adult education for 15 years before I started my Apprenticeship.
What was the selling point of Apprenticeship for you?
I had always wanted to go back to school and take some classes and the Maine Apprenticeship Program made it possible for me financially thanks to partial tuition reimbursement.
What are some of the challenges and rewards of your occupation?
One of the toughest challenges for me is witnessing students face injustice from their friends, family, or even their teacher. Some students aren't encouraged as much as others and I can relate. I wasn't encouraged when I was growing up, and it makes you think you're not smart and feel down on yourself. It has been rewarding helping kids build their confidence. I have actually helped myself by helping others. Apprenticeship helps me feel more confident and I now know that I am smart.
How has your Apprenticeship contributed to the progress of your career?
The Apprenticeship, especially going back to school, has made me so much more confident. I just feel so good about what I'm doing and my kids are so proud of me. Apprenticeship has also opened a lot of doors for me. I have the confidence try new things and do things I always wanted to try. I have also found a balance between my job, studies, and home life.
If you were going to tell someone considering a Apprenticeship, what would you tell them?
I got married and had children soon after high school, not knowing that college was even a possibility for someone like me, who wasn't rich. Before starting my Apprenticeship, I was a single mother with three young children and I didn't have a college education. It's never too late to continue your education.
A Message to Parents:
An Apprenticeship is not impossible. You have kids, but you can still make it happen. I wanted to do it to support my kids and the fact that I'm a parent didn't get in the way of my work or studies.
I never sought out help before my Apprenticeship because I was too proud. As a result, I missed out on my kids because I was working three part-time jobs. Become an Apprentice for yourself and your kids.
