The Power of Encouragement
If you have ever witnessed a Jobs for Life graduation, you would see the amazing impact this 8-week job training class has on our students. The journey students undergo is powerful and what started as an obligation turns into a life-changing experience that strengthens them educationally, emotionally and spiritually. As you will find out in Hannah’s story, Jobs for Life takes students from a common ground of vulnerability to a state of solidarity.
Hannah entered Jobs for Life class with the same fear as most of our students – fear of failure and rejection. She had low self-confidence and struggled with speaking, but she stayed in the program and was ready for graduation day. Hannah watched as her fellow classmates accepted their certificates and spoke about what the class meant to them. When her name was called, she nervously approached the podium and couldn’t say a word. After a moment of awkward silence, a voice from the audience yelled, “Come on! You can do it!” It was one of her classmates gave her the encouraging words she needed. Soon thereafter, she was embraced by her friends remind her that she was not alone.
Hannah composed herself and with her friends standing behind her she began to speak.
“From the first day, I have felt so welcome,” she explained. “Being at the Center has opened new doors for me. It was the encouragement from the instructors and classmates that helped me build my self-confidence. I now have friends who care about me and support me. I could have never done this without you all.”
As Hannah walked back to her chair, the room was filled with claps and cheers.