Anya OGarro
Age: 20
Hometown: Newport News, VA
Region: Philadelphia
Center: Blue Ridge
Dates enrolled: 7/30/2019 – 4/9/21
Training: Certified Nursing Assistant

“I was really looking for the college experience without having to take on debt,” explained Blue Ridge Job Corps graduate Anya OGarro when asked her motivation for enrolling in Job Corps. Anya, a Newport News, VA native, was also drawn to the hands-on aspect of the program, and believed it would be the prefect learning environment for her.
Upon arriving at the center in 2019, Anya decided to take up the trade of Certified Nursing Assistant, believing that it was the best fit her skill set. She also felt that working as a CNA would give her great experience as she worked toward further goals, such as becoming a registered nurse. Anya was also very involved in volunteering, serving as a recreation aide and assisting off-center at local food banks such as the Atkins Food Pantry and Feeding Southwest Virginia.
Anya is currently employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Regency Health and Rehabilitation, and she also works as a home health aide on the side. She enjoys these roles, but she doesn’t plan to stop here. She is currently looking into Registered Nursing programs, with the ultimate goal of becoming a surgical nurse.
Anya advises current Job Corps students to just keep pushing towards their goals, even when it gets hard. “That feeling in the end when you can say ‘I did it’ is so worth all the hard work.” She also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all those who helped her along the way: “I never imagined I’d have the success that I’ve had, and I couldn’t have done it without all of the amazing staff at Blue Ridge. Thank you!”