WWEE Success Stories: Mary

"Attitude is Everything"

“I’m smart, I’m strong and I’m beautiful.” Mary is repeating an exercise she learned from Shelby McCulloch, an Education Specialist at her REACH (Reaching Employability & Achieving Career Habits) class. Mary felt awkward and embarrassed as Shelby insisted she repeat the phrase, over and over. That is, until she looked into the faces of her classmates. They were beaming back at her with looks of joy and confidence. It was time to stop listening to the voices that said, “You’re stupid,” “You’re weak,” “You can’t do anything.”

Before Mary came to WWEE, she had hit a dead end. She was in a bad marriage, she was unemployed and she had a seven-year-old daughter to support. Mary applied to DSHS for help with her rent, and it was there that she heard about WWEE. She enrolled in REACH and attended a very quiet and apprehensive class that first day. After a few days, she says, “it got pretty loud in there.” Mary, along with many of her classmates, went from feelings of depression and inadequacy to feelings of confidence and optimism. “Carmen [Chambers, REACH instructor] is awesome,” Mary said. She helped the students discover the wisdom, the strength and the beauty that was hiding within. One of the most important lessons that Mary learned in her REACH class, and one she says she will always carry with her, is that “Attitude is everything!”

After Mary completed REACH, she enrolled in Computer Applications & Career Development (CACD). Acquiring computer skills made a significant difference in her ability to find a rewarding career. Her WWEE experience enabled her to achieve high scores on standard skills tests with employment agencies and the confidence to continue her search for a career .

Recently Mary called the WWEE office to let us know that she had been hired by Pacific Foods of Kent as a Customer Care Specialist.

For the privacy and safety of our participants some names have been changed and some photos have been omitted.

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