Betty Caldwell (Nelson)

Tell us about yourself and your Ridgewater Experience
My experience was great at Ridgewater. I gained friends from class and one was in my wedding the following year. That friend and I left and both applied for jobs at the same place and were both hired. We attended the human services technology class. When we started out class there were 22 students. By the time we finished there was only 8 in our class. Ultimately 3 of us ended up in the same place.

We had gained several extra training that helped in our new adventure. They included van transport with a wheelchair lift, med administration, behavior modification, Class B license. We worked with adults with developmental disabilities at REM-Southwest Services in Marshall, MN. When we started they used 15 passenger vans which required a Class B. We were also required to give meds. Unfortunately, 2 of the 3 that started here have left and I am the only one still here after 30+ years. We were at Willmar, MN campus Dec 1986-August of 1987. I have also started driving school bus for 25+ years and have utilized the wheelchair van training.

Why did you choose Ridgewater College?
I was supposed to start paying back my student loan from previous schooling after high school and chose to return to school and lived with my sister and her son because she was attending

What advice would you give to current and prospective students?
Go for what you want and succeed