EHOVE Adult Ed programs opened up options for Huron woman

MILAN – What are the chances you’ll be returning to school once you pick up a high school diploma? About one in two, according to national statistics. High school doesn’t last forever and neither do the skills you learned there. In ever-increasing numbers, adults are returning to school to gain career advantages.

According to the National Households Education Surveys of 2001 conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) of the U.S. Department of Education, participation in adult education has increased - from 40% in 1995, to 46% in 2001.

Neccia Wood , 37, o f Huron is a prime example of the adult learner. Now the front desk coordinator at Abilities in Sandusky, Wood returned to school at EHOVE Ghrist Adult Career Center over a decade ago to make herself more marketable. Back then, she was a young mother with a three-year-old working part time as a clerk.

“I had a job but I wasn’t happy with the work or the hours,” said Wood. “I thought I could do better.” Her sister Stacey had taken the adult Administrative Assistant program and landed a good job after earning a certificate.

Wood enrolled in the same program and became interested in the health field. EHOVE helped her prepare for an interview with Advanced Health upon graduation, and she worked there for 2-1/2 years before taking another position with Firelands Regional Medical Center’s Presurgery Testing and Surgery Center. “EHOVE did a wonderful job at preparing me for the job world,” said Wood. “The teachers did everything to get you ready – they were excellent.”

She worked at Firelands for seven years before deciding to go back to school again, this time enrolled as a student in EHOVE’s Nurse Aide program. “I liked working for the nursing home and in home health, but it took a physical toll,” said Wood. She returned to a desk position, which offered variety with scheduling, charting and other duties.

With a busy load that includes a 14-year-old daughter, a seven and three year-old sons, Wood is content to stay put. But the future can hold many possibilities. “I have thought about going back for nursing,” said Wood. “I really like the health field."