Seeking a New Plus 50 Career: Construction Worker Heads to College
After spending two decades in construction work, John Ruiz realized that he needed to transition to a career that was not as physically demanding. He's fond of saying that he didn't choose to go to college."I didn't decide! My body decided for me! I was in construction for 20 years and started to realize that I had to find something else," said Ruiz. "I went to the VA for an MRI one day and found out that I qualified for vocational rehabilitation. It came with 48 months of tuition support, an income supplement, and money for supplies."
Because the vocational rehabilitation program required attendance at a two-year school, Ruiz found Clover Park Technical College's accelerated one-year human services program to be the perfect fit. He was especially drawn to the program's strong internship component, because he wanted on the job training alongside his education.
His new career choice is inspired by a lifelong desire to help others. "I have always been a sort of informal counselor to my friends and co-workers," said Ruiz. "The Human Services program is perfect in this regard, since it can lead to careers ranging from youth services to chemical dependency counseling to working at the Department of Social and Health Services."
Ruiz found support in reaching his goals from his teachers and co-workers on campus. He also got involved with Phi Theta Kappa and the campus Health and Wellness Committee, which he found to be surprisingly rewarding and fun.
If he could offer advice to potential plus 50 students, Ruiz would say the following, "Be open to change. For older students, your experiences and wisdom is something younger students will look up to. They will call upon your insights for guidance. And remember that they have a lot to offer you as well."
And when the going gets tough, Ruiz advises plus 50 students, "Stay the course, even when it seems unbearable. There's a quote I am fond of that says, 'What's in the way is the way.'"