NNSL (Feb 22/99) - Jeanette Hernberg decided she was going to change her life.

She left her comfortable career as a cook, and took on the world of computers. This was an especially big step for Jeanette, as she was computer illiterate.

In October of 1997, Jeanette began the secretarial program at the Academy of Learning.

"As soon as I got there, I thought 'what have I gotten myself into?'" explains Jeanette.

But her determination soon overtook her uncertainty. Jeanette dug her heels in and began a journey towards computer enlightenment. In the secretarial program, Jeanette has taken a variety of computer courses, including office procedures and Wordperfect.

Jeanette has her courses at the academy, along with the help of an employment agency, to thank for her present employment.

"Office Compliments has helped me to get work. Without my computer training, I wouldn't have had much of a chance," said Jeanette.

While Jeanette is glad that she took the program, she knows that she is just now getting experience and still has a long way to go to get where she wants to be.

"My training isn't over yet, but I wouldn't be where I am today without those computer training courses. "Nowadays, you need computer certification to get any office job. Even if you know about computers, they want to see the paper."

Fellow Academy of Learning student Frances Riggs has the same sentiments.

"After I finished my accounting clerk diploma, I felt a lot more confident applying for jobs.

"With the government, you have to have a diploma, they want the paper," said Frances.

Jeanette is happy with her experiences at the Academy of Learning, but warns that it is up to each individual person to motivate themselves. According to Jeanette, if you're determined, you can succeed.

Frances seconds that notion. "I had a great experience at the academy. My facilitator was helpful, and I enjoyed learning at my own pace."

Jeanette thinks she may have inspired a few of her friends to take some computer courses. "They saw how it helped me, and how great I felt when I was done."