08.08.2011

Three Graduate’s Stories

Monica Casillas was one of the youngest of the 17 original students who enrolled in the ESL classes at the Williamson County site when it opened in 2007. Her family had moved here from Mexico several years before and she helped her family get back and forth to the hospital whenever her dad needed dialysis for his kidneys. She was frustrated because she was unable to understand the doctors and nurses that came into the room to treat her father and she could not ask them many questions because of her lack of English skills. Monica has worked very hard to learn English and today she boasts that she is able to communicate very well with her father’s doctors and nurses. “I have enjoyed coming to the classes and learning. The teachers are wonderful and everyone makes me feel so welcome. I don’t feel that anyone laughs at me if I don’t say the English words correct,” she said. Monica has enjoyed spending time in both the ESL classes and Bible Study. She is looking forward to working in the Life Skill and computer classes.

Shirley Harris had worked in childcare for 23 years when she came to CWJC, and she knew she wouldn’t be able to do it forever. Her goal was to find a less physically demanding job in an office that was challenging, yet fulfilling. She was also tired of struggling to make ends meet. On her application she wrote: “CWJC would help me keep up with the world that is ever changing around me. I’ve got to face it: this is a computer world and I need to know how to use it.” Shirley proved to be a quick study and she is now proficient in Word, Excel, and Outlook. In addition, she also knows how to make a resume, dress for an interview, and search effectively for a job. Now that she graduated from CWJC, she feels confident about beginning her job search. Shirley also benefited from a wonderfully close relationship with her mentor Mary Cosmides. They met every week, almost without fail. “She was so sweet, and she always wanted to be helpful. I just liked talking to her.” However, in the early spring, Mary suffered from a serious health crisis, and it became Shirley’s turn to be the prayer warrior and encourager for Mary. Sending cards and lifting up prayers, Shirley hoped that Mary might at least be well enough by graduation to walk with her on stage. By God’s grace, Mary was able to attend the ceremony and celebrate with Shirley.

Jessica Laitinen heard about the Jobs for Life program while attending services at Madison Church of Christ and quickly decided it was the right program for her. “In Jobs for Life, we learn about how to choose the right job that uses the talents God has given us,” she said. “It was great to learn about the things we need to perform that job best.” Jobs for Life is a nine month program that offers training in job skills such as computer skills, financial education and interviewing skills. Participants set goals for themselves and take an aptitude test and work toward the results of that test. Jessica graduated from Jobs for Life in May and actually found a full-time job before she was finished with the program. “I love my job and it’s a great fit for me,” she said. “I would encourage anyone considering the Jobs for Life program to go for it! It truly is life changing. There are so many people to help you, there’s no reason not to give it a shot!” She says it was great to have a mentor along the way to walk beside her and offer her encouragement. Jessica’s mentor was Meredith McDermott.