LCC student finds his calling in health field
James Inthalansy. Submitted photo.
A life-changing event that may slow some people down has not stopped James Inthalansy of La Grange. When he was 9 years old, he lost his leg in an automobile accident. While his memory since the accident has not been the best, he said he wanted to rise above it and find a career where he could work and provide a good living.
The 2012 North Lenoir High graduate enrolled in Lenoir Community College Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth program in February 2018. He came to NCWorks Career Center at LCC to get help with his resume because he was looking for a job. He first enrolled at LCC right out of high school, but said “I just wasn’t focused. I came back for welding because I like putting things together,” he said.
“James had two jobs in manufacturing prior to coming in that day in February, but because of his disability, he found it painful to stand in the same place for eight hours a day,” said WIOA Youth Counselor Tracey Price. “James told me he did not receive disability payments and did not want to receive benefits,” she said
“I want to go to work and find a career that I can make a difference in the lives of others,” Inthalansy said.
Price said he completed his assessments and because he was 24 years old with a disability, he could receive assistance with career development, training cost, and paid work experience among other services of WIOA.
He enrolled immediately. After taking his career assessments, looking at labor market information, and career counseling, Inthalansy decided he wanted to work in the nursing field and took the path by enrolling in the Nurse Aide I program. After an unsuccessful attempt at passing the skills exam, he would not be denied and paid out of pocket to retake the class, successfully completing it and becoming a Certified Nurse Aide I.
Inthalansy’s worksite at that time was Eastpoint Prosthetics & Orthotics, the place where he had gone for his prosthesis. He also completed 520 hours of work-based learning at Spring Arbor, where the staff and residents loved him. The classwork was OK, but the work experience made the difference
“He has taken Nurse Aide II and passed that as well and is currently working in a work experience at UNC Lenoir Health Care, where he hopes he will be hired when the work experience ends,” Price said. “His supervisor has praised his work ethic and his positive attitude.”
Price said that Inthalansy has always been a joy to work with, he has participated in all the Youth activities, including attending NC Youth Summit in 2019, assisting with Job Fairs, working the concession stand at LCC basketball games, serving the homeless at Mary’s Soup Kitchen in Kinston. “He has attended Youth meetings and helped with our booths at LCC Spring and Fall Festivals. James serves as a youth mentor through The Gate in Kinston and is currently serving as a mentor to another Youth participant,” she said. “He has also attended Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board Youth Council meetings and shared his experiences with the board members.”
Inthalansy says he hopes to one day continue his education in prosthetics and help others that have gone through the ordeal of losing a limb. “I want to be a part of something where I can make an impact,” he said. “The WIOA Program has been beneficial in helping me financially. It has been a good experience.”
