Ismail Hassan’s dream is to become a doctor and now he is one step closer to that dream thanks to Quentin Burdick Job Corps Center.  Ismail started his training at Burdick Job Corps in June 2010.  While at Burdick, Ismail entered the Medical Office Support trade and completed training in Medical Administration.  He also earned his certification as a Medical Administrative Assistant and in CPR/First Aid.  Ismail worked to his fullest potential every day, whether it was working on his communication skills by doing essays that weren’t even assigned to him, to practicing his heart out typing at all hours of the day.  Ismail learned the skills that he needed to be a successful employee.  His trade instructor, Jen Aaseth, was very impressed with Ismail’s determination and said that he increased his typing speed times eight and studied so hard for the certification exam that he earned a top five score!  He was also involved in leadership on center.  Ismail started out on the Green Committee and moved his way up to President of the student body.

After finishing his training in the classroom, Ismail was accepted at UND Center for Family Medicine for a work based learning office internship.  During that internship, he did an outstanding job and was hired on in the records department to fill a temporary position.  Ismail is now working in the environment that he hopes to one day work in as a doctor.  The professionals at UND have mentored Ismail and are guiding him in the right direction.  Ismail is enrolled to start college in May and is very excited!

 Ismail presented a speech to the student body during his last week in training.  In that speech, he encouraged others to follow their dreams and use their opportunity at Job Corps to gain the skills that they need to be successful in the workplace and in life.  He reminded the students, “An opportunity will knock on your door only once.  Give the best effort you can and be positive about it.  Never say “I wish” while you have the chance now.”  He also credited his success to all of the staff that worked with him offering advice and direction while he was in the program.

 Ismail proudly walked down the isle at Quentin Burdick Job Corps graduation in August 2011 with a huge smile on his face, knowing that his life is on the right track!