In today’s competitive environment, education and support are key for students facing academic and career challenges. Carly Schwantes, an Administrator in Training (AIT) at Capitol Lakes, exemplifies how essential assistance can help individuals reach their goals. With the $2,000 stipend from the Capitol Lakes Foundation, Carly not only offsets her tuition at UW-Eau Claire but also gains critical experience that will guide her future in the long-term care industry.
Investing in Future Leaders
The Capitol Lakes Foundation's commitment to nurturing future leaders in healthcare is evident through its support of students like Carly. This financial help allows her to concentrate on her studies while pursuing a degree in Health Care Administration.
As a senior, Carly knows the difficulty of juggling academics with practical experience. Financial support like the Foundation’s stipend enables Carly to dedicate more time to her education and her responsibilities at Capitol Lakes.
Carly has a deep passion for making a difference in people’s lives. Her goal is to build a lasting career in the long-term care sector, driven by a mission to improve the quality of care for older adults.
A Holistic Learning Experience
Carly’s experience at Capitol Lakes has been truly transformative. Since becoming an AIT, she has had the unique chance to shadow every department in the organization. She has worked and learned from nurses and caregivers on the Assisted Living and Health Center floors while also gaining experience with pastoral care, facilities and maintenance, housekeeping, and other departments that are integral to resident quality of life.
Carly's interactions across various departments allow her to appreciate the delicate balance between resident care and operational efficiency. This knowledge will be essential as she looks to manage teams effectively in her career.
Practical Projects for Lasting Change
As Carly heads into the second half of her residency, she is committed to projects that enhance both internal operations and the quality of life for our residents. These initiatives are practical and tied directly to improving the Capitol Lakes community.
One key project involves streamlining the medical supply inventory system. Carly is committed to exploring how new technologies can make tracking medical supplies more efficient, benefiting both nursing and medical records staff.
Additionally, Carly is leading an intergenerational pen pal program that connects 5th grade students from Lowell Elementary School in Madison with Capitol Lakes residents. This initiative fosters vital relationships and enriches the lives of residents and students alike. One touching example is a 5th grader and a resident who share a bond over their shared experiences at Lowell Elementary, which they both attended albeit several decades apart.
Recognition and Mentorship
The Capitol Lakes Foundation’s support goes beyond money; it’s also a recognition of Carly's hard work. As she says:
I'm grateful to the donors who made this stipend available to me. It makes me feel good to know I'm appreciated and pushes me to continue my service to Capitol Lakes residents. The support gives me the ability to continue pursuing my residency and learning from mentors in my field.
Path to Success
As Carly Schwantes progresses in her health care administration journey, it’s clear that education, mentoring, and financial support are keys to her success. Her ambition to improve the long-term care industry demonstrates her dedication to enhancing the lives of others, highlighting the critical role of support systems like the Capitol Lakes Foundation.
Carly’s journey is a compelling example of the opportunities that arise when together we invest in future leaders. The Foundation's stipend - made possible because of your support - represents more than financial assistance; it symbolizes a commitment to developing the future of healthcare. Thanks for making this possible.
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