Cook Medical’s HSE program offers opportunities for success

Gage – Operator 2, Bonding, 2020 graduate

Gage celebrated his five-year work anniversary with Cook this year. He has a successful manufacturing career working as an operator and is also serving as a trainer. The unwavering determination and strong work ethic he has shown in his journey at Cook and in overcoming the obstacles in his path are inspiring.

The first step in his journey was the realization that he needed to earn his high school diploma to rise above minimum-wage pay grades and make a good living. As the single father of a young son, Gage wanted to provide for his son and be a role model for him.

He found an opportunity to pursue his high school diploma through the Excel Center in Bloomington, operated by Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. He recalls the grueling work schedule he had at a local company while also working toward his degree. “The hours were brutal. I would work a full week of 12-hour shifts, and then I would have one week off. During my off-weeks, I would go to the Excel Center to work on earning my high school diploma. I was exhausted with that job and the uneven schedule.”

The principal of the Excel Center noticed Gage’s difficult schedule and recommended he apply at Cook where he could continue pursuing his diploma through the Excel Center while being employed at Cook with a better working schedule. He applied and soon was hired into the HSE program. “I knew I was on a time schedule to complete the program, and that was high pressure. I also have ADHD, so I tend to over-worry. Making the head space to start studying again was a challenge for me. I was less nervous when the teacher gave me individual attention by developing a daily schedule for me, and I knew I could also retake any tests if I needed to.”

Gage describes the program as a positive experience. “I was able to take time out of my workday to study and still get paid. That was a real game changer for me. I felt such a sense of accomplishment when I graduated,” he said.

For new students, he recommends a few tips: “Try and find support wherever you can get it. Maybe from your family, other students, or someone you look up to,” he said. “Just stick with it. You might have some hard days, but I believe that you can make it if you just apply yourself.”

His advice to future participants in the program is just a few simple statements: “Don’t stop at just your GED. Go beyond and further your education. Keep going. Never stop.”

Juliana – Operator 2, Special Sets Radiology, 2024 graduate

Juliana’s energetic personality bubbles over with pride when she talks about her newly found direction in life, her passion for 4-H and science, and her future aspirations. However, if you had a conversation with her before her transformative journey through the HSE program and her full-time job at Cook, you would have met a discouraged, directionless Juliana, who was determined to overcome but unable to find out how.

In the early years of her high school education, Juliana maintained a 4.2 GPA and was active in science, 4-H, and other academic clubs. She developed a cardiovascular condition that impeded her schooling in the last critical years of high school, and she decided to drop out. “It all just got ripped away out of nowhere,” she said. “I dropped out of high school and began working at a grocery store.” She continued her work with 4-H, becoming tenured upon completing a prescribed number of 4-H projects, which increased her eligibility for potential scholarships. She describes her work with 4-H as an awesome opportunity for her to do hands-on work educating kids about science and how to increase quality care of their animals.

But discouraging words from former teachers who did not think she could succeed or get a better job echoed in her mind. She felt misunderstood. “I was very worried about the trajectory of my life,” she said.

When she discovered she could complete her high school education through Cook’s HSE program, with the opportunity for full-time work, she believed it to be another chance to succeed. “I was scared to death at first. It’s been years since I have felt like someone believed in me. But whenever I didn’t do as well on a test or something in the program, and I felt like I failed, the teacher didn’t get mad at me. The teacher just said, ‘We’ll overcome it together and try again,’” recalled Juliana. “I loved the way they had the courses set up with mock tests to prepare you, and so many helpful resources were offered.”

After graduation, she felt a profound sense of achievement. She called relatives and friends to share her good news. Looking ahead with renewed confidence, Juliana plans to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering and eventually a PhD in neuroengineering. She continues to be excited about the opportunities available through Cook, including resources for further education and career guidance.

¹Adults age 18 to 64 without a high school diploma or HSE, 2021. Hoosiers by the numbers website. https://hoosierdata.in.gov/maps/thematic/edattain/noHS_18to64_2021.pdf. Accessed July 14, 2025.