Symone Anderson attended the Women’s Academy of Excellence in Bronx, NY.  She completed the 10th grade and decided to leave her high school because she “was tired of the drama”.  She was accepted at the Delaware Valley Job Corps Center on May 1, 2012, and completed the Medical Office Support Program on November 11, 2012.  Symone earned her High School Equivalence Diploma on November 28, 2012, and applied for the ACT College Program.  She was initially denied acceptance into the program due to lack of maturity and display of a pattern of inappropriate behaviors.  However; Symone never gave up and kept asking for a second chance to be considered for the College Program.  Once she began to show improvements in her behaviors, Mr. Rettoun accepted her college application.  She was accepted into SUNY Sullivan in January 2013 and graduated in May 2015 with an Associates Degree in Medical Assistance.  Upon graduation, Symone was hired by the Center for Discovery in Harris, NY where she has been working with people with disabilities on a full time basis.  She then transferred to the Center for Discoveries New York City satellite location where she continues to work part time while attending Lehman College for the purpose of earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.  Being in Job Corps has been a wonderful experience.  It has changed my life for the better, giving me the opportunity to become a successful woman.  During my stay at Job Corps, I was provided with the education and tools I needed to achieve my GED and College Degree.  I believe that if I was strong enough to finish what I started so can you.  To be honest, it wasn’t the easiest task.  I struggled with being away from my family, as well as peer pressure, but in the end I was able to put everything aside and focus on what was most important.  I am extremely proud / grateful to have the opportunity to better myself, not only as a student but as a young lady with great determination.  I believe if I can do it, so can you!  Thank you to Mr . Rettoun who continuously denied me the College ACT Program because without this, I would not be the woman I am today.  When I first got to Job Corps, I wasn’t the ideal student to even be considered for the program.  In due time, I turned myself around and stopped fooling around.  I just want to say thank you for everything that you have done for me / put me through.  You have shaped and molded me to become a student and because of you I accomplished everything that I came here for.  I appreciate everything and I am extremely grateful for everything you have done for me.  And for that, I am honored that I had the privilege of meeting you.  Symone Anderson