Graduate Brian Simmons at the Gainesville Job Corps Center says he received the best gift of all this holiday season while enrolled at Job Corps—-he received his High School Diploma and he has a job!

“I passed the FCAT and ACT and now I am a High School graduate,” Simmons said, “I never thought I would see this day come.”

Simmons, 22, is studying to become a licensed Nursing Assistant. Through the Job Corps partnership with SIATech Charter High School, Simmons was able to earn his High School Diploma. Currently, he is practicing his skills to take his certification test in Certified Nursing Assistance.

Before enrolling in Job Corps, Brian says life was tough because he made it tough. Simmons who was born with fused arms that do not bend or extend, shares how he disrespected teachers in high school, hung out on the streets and eventually began disrespecting his own mother. Once he figured out life on the streets was hard, he decided to enroll in Job Corps.

“One day I started praying”, Simmons said, “I asked God to help me and he did.”

Simmons enrolled in Job Corps in February of 2012. Now only 10 months later, he has obtained his High School Diploma, finished the CNA trade and he has a job at the Gainesville Health Care Center, located on SW 16th street.

“Job Corps is great for students who really need help and want to better themselves,” Simmons shares, “If Job Corps worked for me, I know it will work for others.”