Class Act

Published in Dome - June 2016

A recent conversation in a math class proved transformative for Clayton Smith. During a break in the class, sponsored by the Johns Hopkins Skills Enhancement Program, the former truck driver discussed opportunities for advancement with his classmate Joenathan Long. Smith, who was working in linen delivery, hoped to find work with patients. That’s when Long, a radiology transport associate, mentioned that a job similar to his had just opened in his department. Aided by a Johns Hopkins Project REACH career coach, Smith spruced up his resume and applied to be a patient transport associate. Meanwhile, Long gave his manager, Corey Rhames, a heads up about Smith. Rhames was immediately impressed when he met the 53-year-old man and offered him the job on the spot. Now, both classmates are transporting patients and will also study medical terminology together twice a week. Smith aspires to become a nurse, while Long is pursuing a career in materials management. Learn more about the Skills Enhancement Program or call Barbara Edwards at 410-614-0273.