Adriana

Adriana had worked in health care as a licensed vocational nurse, but after her son was born, she made the decision to go back to school to qualify for a higher-paid position as a registered nurse. As a single mom, she felt, “I want to give him opportunities, and in order to do that, I have to get ahead.” Soon after she enrolled at Los Angeles City College, she was selected for the BOOST guaranteed income program. The GI payments allowed her to pay off medical bills, cover expenses, and set aside some emergency savings. Knowing that she could count on the GI payments freed Adriana from the stress of worrying about money, allowing her to focus on her studies and her future, while also continuing to work part-time and care for her son. She explained, “You just feel this relief.” Her future plans include completing nursing school and seeking work in the Los Angeles area, perhaps in a birthing or neonatal setting.