Richard first enrolled in the WIOA program after exhausting his emergency unemployment benefits. He had worked two part-time jobs: as an Uber driver and as a UIS staff writer through the work-study program. At the time, he was pursuing a degree in Communication from the University of Illinois at Springfield, with the ultimate goal of pursuing a career in Public Relations. Richard maintained excellent grades throughout his training and graduated with his Bachelor’s degree in communication. After graduation, however, Richard’s determination to succeed became clearer than ever. For an extensive period, he applied for numerous job opportunities, explored possibilities for work-based learning and internships, and attempted to develop connections and relationships that might help him gain a foothold in a long-term career. During his undergraduate education, Richard developed skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and, most importantly, effective communication with people from diverse backgrounds. Although his job search was long and sometimes frustrating, he now gets to utilize those skills every day as an Employment Security Program Representative for the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), a position he began in January 2025. Richard is an excellent example of how WIOA programs can help people find and pursue opportunities that they would not have been able to access otherwise, thanks to the training, support, and networking opportunities the program provides. And of course, Richard’s determination and perseverance are what ultimately make him successful.