Family and Flexibility with Jody

Transcript

There are certain industries that often go unnoticed until you need the most. Meet Jody, through pastoral care, he got an insider’s look at how funeral homes serve our communities. His desire pursue an adjacent career path, led him to one of the only accredited funeral service education programs in the entire state of Georgia. Tell us all about it. Jody. Take it away.

– Thanks for that intro, Alex. Hi everyone. As you can clearly see, I’m not your typically aged college student. After earning my master’s degree in 2016, I never imagined that I’d end up back in college, but here I am. After serving at a local funeral home during the COVID Pandemic five years ago, I quickly came to understand the great need for skilled and compassionate funeral directors, and that is what led me to OTC. Upon arriving at Ogeechee Tech, I quickly learned the complexity of the funeral service profession. There is far more to this business than I ever imagined, but having the ability to attend in-person classes with knowledgeable and professional instructors is key to a successful career as a funeral director. The flexibility of the program at OTC allows for students to continue to work towards their apprenticeship hours while gaining hands-on knowledge in the classroom. For me, it’s convenient because it allows me to continue my work at Joyner Anderson Funeral Home and crematory. The skills that I have learned at OTC, like embalming, crematory operation, and funeral directing are put to practice every day. From the prep room to the casket selection room. OTC has prepared me to help grieving families navigate the funeral planning process. I also really enjoy getting to know my classmates who come from all over Georgia and sometimes even further, since it’s only one of two programs at a public institution in the state. Five years ago, I never would’ve imagined that I’d fall in love with being a funeral professional, but through the knowledge and skill of my instructors at OTC I am more confident today than ever about becoming a licensed funeral director. Thanks for listening, and back to you, Alex.

– Jody, the service you provide to your community is admirable. Seeing the skills you’ve developed here at OTC, we know you’ll make an amazing funeral director. Congratulations on finding your passion and making it your reality, and thanks again for sharing your story.