Success Story - Success Stories

Background and Early Challenges

Growing up on the west side of Chicago, Jekireya Thomas faced significant challenges, including poverty and violence. Despite these obstacles, she was determined not to become a statistic and aimed to pursue a healthcare career. After high school, she started taking pre-requisites for a nursing program at Malcolm X College but had to pause her studies to focus on working.

Turning Point

Four years later, frustrated with dead-end jobs, Jekireya decided to reignite her healthcare career aspirations. She attended a WIOA information session and aimed to enroll in healthcare training. There, she discovered the Youth Job Center (YJC) and decided to enroll in the Chicago Community Learning Center (CCLC) through YJC. Reflecting on this, she said, "I finally got tired of working dead-end jobs and told myself, 'Hey, you need to get back to the dreams you had for yourself.'"

Education and Career Progression

At the Chicago Community Learning Center (CCLC), Jekireya Thomas completed courses in Patient Care Technician (PCT), Phlebotomy Technician, EKG Technician, and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). While she earned her CNA certification after passing the CNA class, her education and experience in PCT, Phlebotomy, and EKG Technician roles significantly contributed to her professional growth. Reflecting on her experience, Jekireya emphasizes, "The PCT class at CCLC expanded my knowledge and hands-on experience in Phlebotomy and EKG procedures, paving the way for my role as a labor and delivery technician at a prominent hospital."

Support and Guidance from YJC

Jekireya emphasizes the pivotal role YJC played in her success. She first learned about YJC at a WIOA session and quickly engaged with their program due to the compelling support and faster processing offered by YJC representatives. "I instantly reached out to them, and the process started rolling a lot faster," she recalls. She particularly appreciates the support system provided by YJC, which includes frequent check-ins and personalized assistance from her career coaches, Sara and Francesca. "My favorite part about YJC would have to be having a support system. Whether it's a phone call or text checking in, it's greatly appreciated."

Skills Development and Workforce Readiness

Jekireya benefitted significantly from YJC's workforce readiness training. She learned how to build an effective resume and improved her interview skills through mock interviews, which helped her eliminate filler words and show genuine interest during interviews. "A lot of times, we have GOOD stuff on the resume! But something as simple as not writing professionally and having a bad resume format can throw a potential job off," she explains. Regarding interview preparation, she adds, "That mock interview was the best thing ever created! It helped me brush up on not using filler words ('Like,' 'Um')."

Long-Term Goals

Her ultimate ambition is to become a Neonatal Nurse. She plans to discuss further educational opportunities with her career advisors to work towards this goal. "My career advisors and I will be sitting down sometime this week to discuss getting back to school to work my way to some nursing classes," Jekireya shares. YJC continues to provide resources and support to help her achieve her dreams.

Advice for Others

Jekireya advises other YJC clients to maintain open communication with their career coaches and utilize them to navigate challenges. "Talk to your career coach! If you are having problems with instructors, they can be your voice of reason," she advises. She underscores the importance of saving time and taking full advantage of the opportunities and support provided by YJC. "Don't waste your or your Career coach's time!" she urges.

Conclusion

Jekireya's story is an inspiring example of how determination and the proper support can lead to significant career achievements. By leveraging JTED funding and the resources offered by YJC, she transformed her life and is well on her way to achieving her long-term career goals. Her experience underscores the value of programs like YJC in providing education and career opportunities to individuals determined to improve their lives. "To anyone who is thinking about joining YJC, do it! Who doesn't want tuition-free education? All you have to do is show up and learn, and they handle everything else for you," she concludes.