"Identity is the place for opportunities. If you work hard beside them,
you can always achieve your dreams. Identity is that and even more."
As a teen, I attended Northwood High School. I loved it and earned good grades, but there was not much time to do homework because I also had two jobs. On school nights I supervised an office cleaning team, and on weekends I worked as a construction assistant. I knew why I was here – to work hard and get the best education I could.
I knew about Identity because they managed the Wellness Center at Northwood. When I graduated, I was worried about how to continue my education because I couldn’t afford it and didn’t know where to begin. Then I remembered that Identity also helped young people build skills for the workforce.
Identity’s Workforce Development (WFD) team was so welcoming. I started working with my case manager, Monica. She helped me with scholarships to Montgomery College for classes in electricity and building maintenance. She’s been a big booster and supporter from the beginning. I feel she is part of my family. That is so important because you’re getting help from somebody who is interested in seeing you be successful.
I studied hard, taking every class and opportunity open to me. After certifying in three levels of electrical study, I passed my exams and became a licensed Journeyman Electrician and began a partnership with my older brother, a Master Electrician who was licensed to supervise me.
I love being an electrician because it takes time to learn it the right way; it’s not something that can be learned quickly. And what makes the trade so interesting is that it is all about technology, math and calculations. After five years of working in the field, I was able to apply for the next level. I passed the certification test and I am now a licensed Master Electrician. It is a dream come true for me. I am building a business with my brother, and I can provide a better life for my wife, my two year old daughter and myself.
I believe it doesn’t matter what you do in life, but you have to do it with passion and love and education. Identity helped me do that and I wanted to give something back. I know it is a small thing, but I donated Target and Walmart gift cards for young people now in the WFD program. I remembered how happy I was when Identity would give me a gift card – it helped make ends meet and really motivated me to keep going.
Identity is the place for opportunities. If you work hard beside them, you can always achieve your dreams. Identity is that and even more.
