Kennedy Overcomes Personal Obstacles to Fulfill Career Dream

A single mother of two children, Chicago resident Lena Kennedy struggled to make ends meet, often working two jobs to pay the bills. She desperately sought a stable career and often found herself without direction. When she was laid off, she worried she wouldn’t find another job. 

Seeking a better life, Kennedy turned to Everest College-Bedford Park for help. She took immediate interest in the medical insurance billing and coding program. Though her family insisted she was too old to return to school, Kennedy ignored their advice and enrolled in the program. Her decision was life-changing.  

In recognition of her efforts and perseverance, Kennedy, a graduate of Everest College-Bedford Park, has won the college’s 2012 Dream Award. The award recognizes one graduate who has completed a post-secondary education while overcoming extraordinary challenges.

At Everest, Kennedy excelled in her studies, and proved herself a leader. During her tenure, she also was a student ambassador, mentoring other students who needed assistance. Kennedy graduated with honors, achieving perfect attendance throughout the entire program. 
Kennedy also excelled in her externship, and just two weeks after graduation, was hired by Physicians Coop., a multi-specialty medical center providing care to patients in the south suburbs of Chicago. And, after just three months on the job, she was promoted to billing and coding department manager.

“Lena never gave up in the face of her challenges,” said Larry Brueck, president of Everest College-Bedford Park. “We are very proud she found a way to succeed, and wish her continued success in fulfilling her education and career goals.”

As a Dream Award winner, Kennedy will receive a $2,500 Everest scholarship to pursue advanced programs in her field of study.

About Everest College

Everest College has seven Chicago-area campuses located in Bedford Park, Burr Ridge, Melrose Park, Merrionette Park, North Aurora, Skokie and Merrillville, Ind.  
Everest College provides career-oriented diploma programs in the health care, skilled trades and business fields. Programs vary by campus. Everest has nearly 100 schools in the U.S. and Canada, and is owned by Corinthian Colleges, Inc., one of the largest post-secondary education companies in North America. For more information, visit www.everest.edu.  For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit our website at www.everest.edu/disclosures.