Danielle Dennis was once unable to obtain employment, which led to self-sufficiency or higher wages through career services alone. She was underemployed, averaging 20-22 hours per week as a cashier, earning $17.00 per hour. In the 24 months before her training, her previous part-time employment with Orpheum Theatre ended more than once due to COVID-19. Danielle had been struggling financially, so she enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program at Lake Land College to increase her skills to earn a higher wage in an in-demand occupation and better support herself. Danielle wanted to be a dental hygienist because she had always “loved going to the dentist and talking to them about teeth.” She wants to be able to help people feel confident in their smiles. Danielle’s daily commute was 118.8 miles round trip between her home in Taylorville and Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois. Lake Land is the only Dental Hygiene program in the region. She was very grateful for the transportation assistance she received. Without it, she could not have carried the burden of high gas prices. Danielle’s perseverance, dedication, and many journeys to Lake Land’s campus finally paid off. She graduated with her degree on May 6th, 2024, and became a licensed Dental Hygienist on May 28th, 2024. She immediately secured training-related employment with 21st Century Dental during this period, earning $40.29 per hour.