Just months ago, Brandi Swindler’s days were filled with doubt and despair. Today, hope and purpose guide her every step thanks in part to a path she never expected to find at Canadian Valley Technology Center.

“After facing some of my most difficult seasons in life and feeling like a failure, my sister recommended I take a look into Canadian Valley’s programs to find a career I could be satisfied with,” she said.

Swindler, 33, of El Reno, began scrolling program options with no clear expectation. Her interest spiked upon discovery of a partnership between the school’s Vision Care Technician program and the Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City. Months earlier, in the middle of her hardest season, she had been a patient at Dean McGee.

“I received the most thoughtful, heartfelt and in-depth care,” she said. “I was elated at the idea of possibly working there and at the thought that I too could show up for people in their darkest moments.”

Swindler is doing a paid apprenticeship, which currently includes attending classes four days each week and working on site one day. That increases in January to four days on site at Dean McGee and just one day in class. As her skills increase in the classroom, she can practice in a mentored environment on the job.

“Being able to get my education while also receiving a paycheck has been by far the biggest blessing,” Swindler said. “I’m a single mother, and trying to keep up with schoolwork and staying on my game at work has not always been easy. I also have to find time for myself and my mental health.

“Thankfully, I have the most caring instructor who always makes sure that I am doing well. Not just in class but in my home life as well.”

Vision Care curriculum leads most students toward a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant certification. Students learn to perform and document a variety of diagnostic tests, record patient information and medical history. They also clean and maintain ophthalmic instruments and are prepared to assist physicians during appointments. Additionally, they educate patients on proper care and use of corrective lenses.

“The confidence this program has given me along with the knowledge and skill set is such a blessing,” she said. “I see such a bright future for myself and my children. Finally, being able to be completely self-supporting is my biggest dream and slowly becoming true.”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows a median wage of over $45,000 for careers similar to the one Swindler has chosen and more for those who complete their certification. What’s better is a projected 10 percent job growth within the industry.

“The opportunity for growth in this program is immense,” Swindler said. “If you want it, you can achieve it. I am walking proof that your life can restart at any point and become what you choose to make of it.”

Vision Care is among a handful of programs available for high school students and adults in the area. For more information, visit cvtech.edu.