Christy Bethe is a full-time FSHS and Gerontology student who will be a junior at the end of spring 2016 semester. She is a non-traditional, first-generation student who earned her LPN in 2005 and worked in the medical field for a number of years. In addition, she has a background of taking care of extended family from the local community and is hoping to combine her medical knowledge with her love of family studies to become a licensed long-term care administrator. Christy stated she has a “passion for families” and is particularly interested in intergenerational dynamics. From her perspective, an individual cannot evolve without the support of family. To this end, she wants to promote healthy family relationships and knowledge of family diversity.
Christy is an incredibly busy individual. She is a single mom with five daughters; three are in college full time while two are still at home. Her children range in age from ten to 21 years. She stated that she could not expect her daughters to obtain a four-year degree without obtaining one herself, thus modeling the importance of education to her children. She is planning to marry for the second time this September. Not only is she a full-time student but also works full time in the business office of a long-term care facility to gain experience.
Christy has made a point of taking advantage of the opportunities on the Polytechnic campus and in the College of Human Ecology to further her professional development goals. Christy actively seeks leadership positions and is currently a FSHS senator in the student government and applied to be a student ambassador and mentor. She is also involved in the College of Human Ecology mentorship program and has a professional mentor in Boston, MA. Prior to her current position in long-term care, Christy worked in the Admissions Office at the Polytechnic campus, a nursing home, and the Bicentennial Center.
Christy stated she has “a pay-it-forward attitude” and appreciates the convenience and opportunities of the FSHS program and Polytechnic campus to forward her professional goals.