At 40, many people feel settled into their routines. For Normandale alumna, Jacquelynne Sutton, that milestone became the beginning of something new.
“I woke up one day and thought, I have to do something, and I want to go back to school,” she recalls.
Returning to the classroom after nearly two decades was not an easy decision. Like many adult learners, she wrestled with uncertainty, wondering if she would fit in, or if she could keep up academically. “You think, am I going to be the oldest person there? Will I belong?” she says.
Those doubts quickly faded once she found the right path. Her journey to Normandale began through Project for Pride in Living, which connected her to the Community Health Worker certificate program. The opportunity felt like a natural fit.
“I was already good at connecting people with resources and helping others,” she explains. “When I saw the program, I thought, this is something I could really do.” The experience exceeded her expectations. With tuition covered, she was able to fully focus on learning, and thriving.
“I loved the professors, every single one of them,” she says. “They all had different teaching styles, but they were incredible.” Beyond the classroom, she found lasting mentorship, building relationships with instructors who continued to support her even after completing the program. Just as impactful was the sense of belonging she discovered at Normandale.
“It was my first time in college in about 20 years, but I didn’t feel out of place at all,” she says. “There were people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. No one was judging you.” That inclusive environment helped her move past her initial fears and fully embrace the experience. It also reinforced a powerful realization: it’s never too late to start something new.
While enrolled in the program, she was working in a claim’s role at Medica. Soon after, she transitioned into an engagement coordinator position, helping patients stay on top of appointments, screenings, and care coordination.
Still, she wanted something more hands-on.
With encouragement from a former classmate, and persistence after multiple applications, she secured a role at Fairview Hospital, where she now works as a community health worker.
“I love what I do,” she says. “It feels good to go to work every day. You know you’re making a difference, and that matters.”
Her connection to Normandale remains strong. Today, several of her former classmates work alongside her, reflecting the program’s real-world impact and strong workforce connections. What began as a single step, enrolling in one program, has grown into a broader educational journey. “I realized I could do school, and I actually do pretty well,” she says with a smile. “Now I love it.”
She is currently pursuing additional degrees in addiction counseling and pre-social work, while also working weekends at a detox facility supporting individuals in recovery. “It showed me there’s so much more to learn,” she says. “And I’m excited about that.”
For those considering the Community Health Worker program, or returning to school later in life, her advice is simple: “If you like helping people, this is a great place to start,” she says. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all career. There are so many directions you can go.” Most importantly, she encourages others not to let fear stand in their way.
“You just have to try. You never know where it will take you, or who you’ll meet along the way.” Reflecting on her journey, she’s clear about the impact of the CHW program, not just for herself, but for the communities it serves. “This certification is needed,” she says. “It gave me a chance, and I’ve seen how much people love the work they do because of it.”
Her story is a powerful reminder that education can open doors at any stage of life, and that sometimes, the hardest step is simply deciding to begin.
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