The following is a letter from a Job Corps Student.
I want to take this moment to once again thank the Job Corps staff starting with Ms. Honore for all her positive and encouraging words. You are a very busy woman and you still stop and take the time to listen and help students, I don’t know that I could find that anywhere but Job Corps. I want to thank Mr. Rice for providing discipline and a safe environment for me and all the students. He sets a positive look and structure to keep students off the street and learn a trade without worrying that there is danger. I want to thank Mrs. Rosser for letting me borrow her great books. I learned a lot from creative writing, to think like a GIANT, to avoid negativity in life, and to never give up. I also want to thank Ms. Faye Washington from the YWCA. Although we only met once, I want to thank her because I know she's out there every day keeping Job Corps funded and on business. I’m sure it can be hard to go out there and sell the organization, so I want to thank her, and the investors who invest in the program. I will never forget her speech on "Changing the Game.” Sometimes when things don't go right you have to change - in my case I had to change my attitude, my way of thinking, my way of dressing, and my way of speaking, in order for me to get a better job and blend in with the right people who can help me in my career.
Now that I said all my thanks, I want to share what Job Corps means to me. Job Corps was like a mother to me and I'll explain why - a mother feeds, clothes, disciplines, and educates her children to be successful in life. That's what Job Corps did. I was fed three great meals a day, I was given free clothes, when I was sick the health center was there to take care of me, when I did wrong, I was given a warning - but it all built responsibility. All of this reminded me of what my mother used to do when I was little and for that I'm so appreciative.
Now that I have finished my trade and moved on, I'm currently working as a Bellman at the Viceroy Hotel. I'm doing great there, always on time and looking sharp. All the tools I learned at Job Corps I apply at work such as proper business etiquette, computer literacy, dress for success, Math, and English. Without these tools, I wouldn’t be very effective or successful at work. It's because of Job Corps, and most of all the staff who help students succeed, no matter the circumstances, whether an ex gang member, whether fired from a previous job, whether they dropped out of school, or if a single parent. Dreams can happen, and they do, that's why Job Corps’ motto is my favorite. When I get praise at work for a good job well done, or when a promotion happens - I won’t forget it all starts with DREAM IT, OWN IT, and BUILD IT - that's all you have to do. Keep pushing forward. My favorite quote from the best fighter of all time, Muhammad Ali, is "Champions are made from something they have deep inside them, a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have last minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill", and I leave it at that. Thank You JOB CORPS, I am now on a new, better journey because of you.
Sincerely,
Scotty E. LLoja
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Ana Garcia - May 25, 2010
May 25, 2010
The YWCA called me back about Isabel getting into preschool… there is an OPEN SPOT!! She can start in the fall! I got to see the inside of the building. I couldn’t help it but I cried when I saw the learning stations, all the books, the colorful artwork on the walls. What an amazing place! I never dreamed I could send my kids to a place like this. They even said they have a spot open for Diego – he’s one now.
Maybe if both kids are in a place like this, I can get a good job. When we were leaving the building I saw a flyer about a computer lab offered to anyone to help with job skills. I don’t want to get too excited but all I can keep thinking about is what a better job would mean to my family. Maybe this year will be better than last year.
-Ana
The YWCA called me back about Isabel getting into preschool… there is an OPEN SPOT!! She can start in the fall! I got to see the inside of the building. I couldn’t help it but I cried when I saw the learning stations, all the books, the colorful artwork on the walls. What an amazing place! I never dreamed I could send my kids to a place like this. They even said they have a spot open for Diego – he’s one now.
Maybe if both kids are in a place like this, I can get a good job. When we were leaving the building I saw a flyer about a computer lab offered to anyone to help with job skills. I don’t want to get too excited but all I can keep thinking about is what a better job would mean to my family. Maybe this year will be better than last year.
-Ana
Ana Garcia - April 17, 2010
April 17, 2010
This year has been so hard. Just when something seems like it’s going to work out – it doesn’t. There are so many things to worry about – Abuelita’s health, the kids, my jobs, and money! I’m grateful for the job I got but it seems like no matter how hard I work , we’re in the same spot with our money. And if I miss one more day because my childcare backs out, I’m not sure they’ll let me keep my job. Even though it’s not perfect, it was hard to get – I don’t want to lose it – I can’t!
Yesterday was Isabel’s birthday. I can’t believe she is three already. She and her brother make life so much better – I just want to give them what they need and deserve. I called the Union Pacific center that the YW runs. I hear there are a few spots open in their preschool. I just hope we can make it.
-Ana
This year has been so hard. Just when something seems like it’s going to work out – it doesn’t. There are so many things to worry about – Abuelita’s health, the kids, my jobs, and money! I’m grateful for the job I got but it seems like no matter how hard I work , we’re in the same spot with our money. And if I miss one more day because my childcare backs out, I’m not sure they’ll let me keep my job. Even though it’s not perfect, it was hard to get – I don’t want to lose it – I can’t!
Yesterday was Isabel’s birthday. I can’t believe she is three already. She and her brother make life so much better – I just want to give them what they need and deserve. I called the Union Pacific center that the YW runs. I hear there are a few spots open in their preschool. I just hope we can make it.
-Ana
Ana Garcia - March 7, 2010
March 7, 2010
I just got a call for a second interview. The job doesn’t pay very much but at least it’s a job. No matter how much I search, there doesn’t seem to be anything else out there. Right now, I just need to pay my bills. Abuelita has already given her little savings to help. If only I had my GED and a degree or something, maybe I could go after better jobs. I hate having to ride the bus to even get to work. I am a hard worker and a fast learner – I just wish something would work out. Diego is crawling already. I can’t believe he’s growing so fast. And his big sister – she is such a smart girl! She can already count to ten. I work with her every day on letters. I really want her to go to preschool. I don’t know how I can afford it. When I do start this job, assuming I get it, I’ll need to find somewhere for Diego and Isabel to go. Abue’s friend down the street said that the new building on Union Pacific street has a preschool in it. She said it’s run by the YWCA. She even said they help families who can’t pay a lot. The building is SO beautiful. i see the playground when I walk by. If we could get the kids in there...... wow. I get excited even thinking about it. Is it possible? It would be a life-saver. I plan on calling them tomorrow to get more information. Yeah!!!
Hopeful… Ana
I just got a call for a second interview. The job doesn’t pay very much but at least it’s a job. No matter how much I search, there doesn’t seem to be anything else out there. Right now, I just need to pay my bills. Abuelita has already given her little savings to help. If only I had my GED and a degree or something, maybe I could go after better jobs. I hate having to ride the bus to even get to work. I am a hard worker and a fast learner – I just wish something would work out. Diego is crawling already. I can’t believe he’s growing so fast. And his big sister – she is such a smart girl! She can already count to ten. I work with her every day on letters. I really want her to go to preschool. I don’t know how I can afford it. When I do start this job, assuming I get it, I’ll need to find somewhere for Diego and Isabel to go. Abue’s friend down the street said that the new building on Union Pacific street has a preschool in it. She said it’s run by the YWCA. She even said they help families who can’t pay a lot. The building is SO beautiful. i see the playground when I walk by. If we could get the kids in there...... wow. I get excited even thinking about it. Is it possible? It would be a life-saver. I plan on calling them tomorrow to get more information. Yeah!!!
Hopeful… Ana
Ana Garcia - February 2, 2010
February 2, 2010
Today was another rough day. I had to cancel my interview because the neighbor backed out of watching the kids. It was hard enough to get an interview since there are few jobs. This was the only response I’ve gotten in months. There aren’t a lot of jobs out there let alone for someone without a diploma. The baby needed diapers today, but we are on our last bit of cash. Precious abuelita tries to help but her hip is not in good enough shape to run after a toddler. She needs surgery. I wish I could take care of her. I love my family – I am blessed to have two healthy kids but I just don’t know how we are going to make it. Everything has been a vicious cycle. I didn’t finish high school so I could work to take care of abue’- now I don’t have a job to afford any training. I know if I could work on my office skills - I could do something - anything. I want to take care of my family - I am willing to work hard. Rent is due in four days and we need groceries. I just don’t know where to turn.
-Ana
Today was another rough day. I had to cancel my interview because the neighbor backed out of watching the kids. It was hard enough to get an interview since there are few jobs. This was the only response I’ve gotten in months. There aren’t a lot of jobs out there let alone for someone without a diploma. The baby needed diapers today, but we are on our last bit of cash. Precious abuelita tries to help but her hip is not in good enough shape to run after a toddler. She needs surgery. I wish I could take care of her. I love my family – I am blessed to have two healthy kids but I just don’t know how we are going to make it. Everything has been a vicious cycle. I didn’t finish high school so I could work to take care of abue’- now I don’t have a job to afford any training. I know if I could work on my office skills - I could do something - anything. I want to take care of my family - I am willing to work hard. Rent is due in four days and we need groceries. I just don’t know where to turn.
-Ana
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)