Name: Jaime Swift
Age: 33
Hometown: Rochester, Minn.
I had gotten pregnant and had a child. I was working for something like $8 an hour. I was looking at what my options were and I couldn't even move into my own apartment at that time because I couldn't afford it.
I thought the only way I'm going be able to do anything is if I go back to school and actually get my degree.
I had cash assistance, medical assistance, food stamps and day care assistance. I had all that support so I could go to school. I went to St. Cloud State University and majored in social work. I graduated in 2004.
I've worked full time as a social worker for the majority of that time and have been off assistance. Having an education makes me more marketable. It changed all my opportunities.
I know many other people who work really hard to get off of government assistance and they just can't because the only options they have are low-wage jobs.
Last September, I was working and making a little over $15 an hour. I decided to back to school to get my masters. I have a decent on-call part-time job. I went back on food stamps of $270 a month and medical assistance just as that extra support. After I graduate I'm looking at two different places where I have potential full-time jobs.
I know that at some point whatever I use, I'll pay back through my taxes because I'll be a solid taxpayer.
NEXT: Working again after eight years of aid
