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Kimberly Briner, Insurance Certificate graduate, chose Ivy Tech Bloomington because of the Taking Hoosiers to the Next Level Grant, which made her college education tuition-free. She learned about the opportunity just days before classes started and with her husband’s encouragement, she decided to enroll.

Kim says that from day one there were people at Ivy Tech who stepped in to assist whenever she needed it, including providing the proper technology at home so that she could complete her education.

“As an adult who prides herself on helping others, I found it difficult to ask for help,” she said. “Some of my needs were met before I even asked.”

She says that she talked to Ivy Tech President, Dr. Sue Ellspermann about some of her struggles with studying and completing work at home on her small laptop, and that Dr. Ellspermann jumped right in with a solution. Within a week, Kimberly had the tools she needed to complete her assignments.

“God bless them,” she said.

Kim began working as an intern for an insurance office in Bedford, Ind. during her studies and was offered a full-time position there after graduation.

“One year ago, I would have never expected to be graduating with my college education at 57 years old and starting a new career in insurance,” she said. “My work in insurance is an excellent fit for me, and more than one person has said that it is a Godsend that I am working at this office. I have to agree.”

In the future, she hopes to take both of her state licensing exams.

“Insurance can be confusing and I want to be the person who helps guide customers toward the protection they need for the people and things that matter to them.”