I did the Power Up program in 2015. I was just starting out on a journey to know what abilities I had. It wasn’t easy but it was worth it. Power Up definitely helped with my confidence and I met several people who would be part of my life in the days to come, helping me become the best person I can be.
Sometimes a life of dysfunction makes it hard for a person to find their way, to believe they belong, to believe they are important. The facilitators in Power Up never gave up on me.
I started WESLinks at the Learning Exchange in September 2020. It’s safe to say that I had no idea what I was going to do with my life at that time. We were in a pandemic, I was not working and I had not worked for a long time. I was feeling very defeated in all areas of my life. Depression had taken over and I had lost all hope that I was ever going to be a part of society again, let alone work.
The WES Links program was 12 weeks. During this time I started to feel better. I was a part of a class that had woken me up. I was working with other people who were different than myself, some older, some younger, and some from different countries. We were building a foundation of trust and friendship through the projects and activities we were doing together.
I graduated from WESLinks in December 2020 and I moved on to Worklinks. I received the support I needed from my workforce coach to start looking for a job that would be right for me.
In February I was approached about a possible training option that would allow me to work in the Worklinks department. I learned how to use the photo copier, scan files, load paper and change the ink. I learned the art of data entry, making sure the information is accurate and done in a timely manner. I also covered the front desk twice a week and learned how to use the computer to look up clients. I booked appointments over the phone and helped anyone coming in to the Learning Exchange.
I enjoyed waking up every day and coming to work. I loved the people I was working with and the learners that came in every day. It’s amazing to watch the learner’s confidence grow, seeing how they too have started to build their foundation and trust in each other. Everything came full circle!
As my training was nearing its end I was hired as a permanent full-time employee of the SJLE. My title is Administrative Assistant.
I can’t tell you how much my outlook has changed on my life. Nothing is perfect and the struggles are still real, however having a job that you love is having a purpose. It’s feeling like you’ve spent your whole life waiting for this moment. When you’ve always felt not good enough, finally a door opens and that feeling starts to change. I’m paying my own bills and rent and I have not received an income assistance cheque since May 2021.
The Saint John Learning Exchange and all of the employees have made this part of my journey one of the most memorable experiences in my life. I am truly grateful for this job and the people here at the Learning Exchange.
