By Sean McNabb

Alexia Boston is a go-getter, determined to make the life she wants for herself and encourage her boys to go after what they want by setting that same example.
“Before I went to Job Corps, I was working at Wal-Mart,” Alexia recalled. “It was not what I wanted to continue doing with my life. I wanted something better, to get more out of life than working at Wal-Mart. I wanted something more for my children; for me and my children. My dream was to go to college after high school but it didn’t work out like that. God blessed me with two beautiful boys, and then it went from there.”
Aiming high, Alexia decided Job Corps was a perfect fit for her. Instead of limiting herself to one trade, Alexia completed both the Certified Nurse Assistant program as well as the Clinical Medical Assistant program at the Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center.
“I wanted to go to school,” Alexia said. “I had children, they were pretty young so I decided I wanted to do something where I would be able to work and be successful in my field. My ultimate goal is to be a doctor, so I wanted to have experience in the healthcare field that would go along with the ultimate goal of what I really wanted to do.”
Alexia said she took advantage of the program because she knew she wanted more out of life and the program was right there in front of her.
“I’m glad I did,” she added.
Part of taking advantage was not only participating in two trades, which at the time was not common practice, but also participating in student government. Alexia said she also participated in the Navy Jr ROTC program offered in Excelsior Springs for about a day before her workload became too full to continue.
Now, Alexia is working at Mother’s Refuge. She helps support homeless pregnant teens ages 12-21.
“I also just got hired on at Lee’s Summit Medical Center as a phlebotomist lab tech,” she added, “and before then I was working as a CNA at different hospitals as well.”
This is just the beginning of Alexia’s career, and what a mighty start it is. Moving forward she plans to complete college and keep moving toward medicine.
“I’m 24 credits away from graduating with my Associate in Biology degree,” Alexia said.
COVID has impacted her education but it hasn’t discouraged her. The course she needs isn’t offered this semester so she is focusing on work until it is made available. Alexia also attended classes before COVID derailed the working world and is excited to get back to in-person learning.
“The whole COVID thing was horrible because they wanted us to do our course with lab online,” Alexia explained. “Online didn’t really work out for me.”
Coming from Job Corps where the learning process is prided on its hands-on aspect, who could blame her? Alexia just dove back into work and went to University of Central Missouri to gain her phlebotomy certification in the meantime, having graduated just this past August.
Looking back, Alexia said what she misses most about Job Corps is pretty much everything.
“I really love Job Corps,” Alexia said with energy and excitement. “I love the people, the atmosphere, just that one-on-one counselor-mentor who makes sure you’re on yourself because you know, when you’re out here on your own, you have to figure it out yourself,” she continued. “Even though I was always on myself, they always gave me that extra boost, ‘this is what you have to do, this is what you need, here’s the door open for this.’ It was just like a community, a family … if I could go back, I would. I could teach there one day or mentor or something. I really believe that everybody should take that opportunity to get (their certifications). It was free, you know, and I got my driver’s license there as well, so that was awesome too.”
Alexia said there are some long lasting relationships that were fostered at Job Corps and will continue throughout her life.
“I have friends from Job Corps,” Alexia said. “Like Ms. O’Dell (who worked in CTS at the time). … If I wasn’t in class I was in her office and I was just talking to everyone because my mentor was down there. I gained relationships with a lot of people, even the drivers from Job Corps who took us back and forth from the city to Excelsior Springs. So, I met a lot of people and really enjoyed it.”
Moving through day-to-day, Alexia uses skills she learned in Job Corps that have influenced her work ethic. She treats every experience like a job, listing school work and getting to her work on time. She said she learned not to miss days and to be a good communicator. Even just starting a job and sticking with it.
“What is it that Mr. Smith would say? ‘Be the best you can be, failure is not an option.’ I’ll always remember that because it always stuck in my head,” Alexia added.
Job Corps is available for youth age 16-24 who have barriers to the workforce. Those who have recently graduated high school and are a bit weary about what they want to do next can apply to Job Corps and get training in a career field that could help them advance their life to new heights.
Those who haven’t completed high school and want to gain skills training can boost there resume by completing a high school program while learning their trade at Job Corps.
When it comes to Job Corps, there are no limitations to the opportunity and potential these graduates leave with.
“Take advantage of everything Job Corps has to offer,” Alexia advises. “It’s a really great program. You get a lot out of it and you can build life-long friendships along with mentors and people who are going to help assist you along the way.”
Alexia said she was also a part of the Job Corps college program which paid for her school books and supplies and offered additional mentoring when she needed it.
For those who may be struggling in Job Corps right now, or are at the end of their rope, Alexia recommends refocusing on the end game.
“I know it’s tough, but you have got to think about the outcome and who you are doing this for,” she said. “You want something better out of life. You have to take it, you have to go through the ropes and the ups and downs just to get through it, but it’s worth it. It really, truly is. The thing about Job Corps is it is kind of self-paced so you can work at your pace. That is helpful too. Just don’t give up, it’s a great opportunity that you don’t want to miss because once you’re above that age you don’t get that chance back. … Do it now, while you have the opportunity.