Bryan M. of Wyoming
“My name is Bryan. I was born and raised in Moorcroft, Wyoming. I am currently enrolled in the Auto Repair Technician Program. Being Active Duty military, stationed overseas in Japan, Penn Foster’s self-paced distance education course was one of the best choices I have made. When I am not working, or have some spare time, I study my program. I get to make my own study schedule that fits within the rest of my working plans. I have been interested in automobiles since I got my first truck five years ago, a 1990 Jeep Comanche. My dad and I would spend day after day rebuilding, cleaning, testing, and repairing everything we could. Right now, I am a Meteorologist for the US Navy aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. It’s a well-chosen job for me, but I wanted something more, something I could have fun with and work using my hands. I spent countless hours looking for the right school that would give me the education I needed for the fast-growing automotive fields. Penn Foster’s Auto Repair program was my choice. I have learned so much since I started my program. When my service is up and it’s time to find a job, I know that the knowledge and education I received from Penn Foster will help me get started. I would recommend Penn Foster to all my friends. It’s convenient, affordable, and, best of all, it’s done at your own pace.”
   Bryan N.
   USS Kitty Hawk

Tiffany F. of Saint Petersburg, Florida

“I gave up so much of my life for others
and Penn Foster has allowed me to
do something for myself, now.”

Tiffany F. knows hard work, the consequences of choices and sacrifice. At 18 she gave up a full volleyball scholarship to the University of Florida with the hope of getting married. Seven years later she had no husband, no job, and no career. She decided it was time to do something for herself. “I took a good look in the mirror and thought: I‘m in the best physical shape of my life. I am going to serve my country. My father served in the U.S. Navy, my stepfather was in the U.S. Air Force...so why not me?” enlisted in the Navy wanting to become a Master at Arms, similar to a military police officer. She was in Chicago in an anti-terrorism class on September 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center and Pentagon were attacked. At boot camp, according to Tiffany, they had no access to newspapers, radio, or television. “We were only told that the World Trade Center & Pentagon were attacked. We had NO details. Nothing. About a week later, we were actually told what happened.” Two months later Tiffany received orders that her division would be going to war. Her tour took her to Greece, Italy, the Azores, and ended up in Bahrain.

In 2002, she was notified that her mother was having emergency surgery for ovarian cancer. “I was devastated. Here I am floating in the middle of the ocean...and my mother is fighting for her life. I felt like just jumping off the back of the boat and being dinner for the sharks.” She sought help from a pastor on-board the USS Bridge AOE 10; being an only child, she received a humanitarian discharge from the Navy to care for her mother through years of chemotherapy treatments. In her time in the Navy, Tiffany received the Battle E Ribbon, the National Defense Medal, and a Sea Service Ribbon. Tiffany says, “I had some amazing experiences and saw some things that I would have never seen if it weren’t for my joining. I am very proud of what I have done. I gave up so much of my life for others and Penn Foster has allowed me to do something for myself, now.” That ‘something’ is to have a career she loves. She is a graduate of the Floral Design Program and is currently working as a florist. “I was tired of dead-end jobs. I wanted something fun and relaxing, and I have found that in the flower shop. My boss, the shop owner, has been an amazing mentor. He has taken me under his wing and has helped me with all of my studies along the way.’ In her spare time, Tiffany also volunteers for various cancer organizations including Ovations for the Cure which was very supportive to her mother.