Kovac-Thomas
VESTAL — CSEA member Christine Kovac-Thomas describes her family as “late bloomers” when it comes to higher education. Her mom went back to college while in her 60s.
Now, at age 51, Kovac-Thomas has followed a similar path by taking advantage of the AFSCME Free College Benefit, a CSEA and AFSCME member-only benefit that allows union members and eligible family members to get higher education degrees and certificates online at no cost to members.
“I never went back to college because I started a family early. I didn’t feel like I had enough to go around; to go to school, work full-time, and have a family,” Kovac- Thomas said. “When I saw that you were able to go to college, basically on your own terms, it really appealed to me.”
Kovac-Thomas is a 20-year employee at the Broome County-owned Willow Point Nursing Home and works the night shift. As a certified nursing assistant, she’s responsible for assisting with her residents’ daily activities and any other hands-on care they might need. She is also a volunteer for the Broome County Citizens Emergency Response Team.
Kovac-Thomas started her online studies three years ago and now proudly holds certifications as a “Patient Home Navigator” and “Medicare Information Specialist.”
Like many other people, COVID-19 has thrown a wrench into her plans.
“I haven’t taken advantage of my graduation yet because of the pandemic,” Kovac-Thomas said. “I figured that right now, my facility really needs me. So, I sort of put my own interests on the side so I could help the nursing home get through this.”
Kovac-Thomas is not entirely sure what she plans to do with the certifications. She said that she is playing it by ear until her husband, who was also able to take advantage of the free college program because of her CSEA membership, finishes school.
“He’s always been interested in computers and has a lot of knowledge,” Kovac-Thomas said. “So, I told him, ‘Why don’t you take advantage of the program and get some paperwork behind that knowledge?’”
Kovac-Thomas highly praised the program.
“It was pretty much streamlined,” Kovac-Thomas said. “I liked being able to have the choice of how many courses I wanted to take per semester. If I was going to regular school I don’t think (I’d have the same success).”
For those on the fence about taking advantage of the program, Kovac- Thomas offers this advice.
“That time is going to pass whether you’re going to school or not,” Kovac-Thomas said. “Advance your knowledge so that you can further your career.”
— Nicholas Newcomb
Learn More at freecollege.afscme.org
or call 888-590-9009
