Cristian Mancilla of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Jessica Howard of Corbin, Kentucky entered the Job Corps program at Muhlenberg five years apart and never dreamed they would be working for the program that contributed so much to their lives.  Mancilla came to Muhlenberg in 2004 and Howard in 2009 as students.  Both completed their chosen trades, Mancilla, Security Officers Training and Pharmacy Technology and Howard, Medical Office Support and Clinical Medical Assisting.  After graduation both went to Advanced Training programs to study how to be a residential advisor in a Job Corps setting.

Ironically, they both wound up where they had started their education, the Muhlenberg Job Corps!  Mancilla was hired in May of 2006 as a residential advisor and has since accepted the Job as Student Government Association advisor.  Howard was hired in March of 2011 as a residential advisor and has recently received a promotion in that area.  Both say they are excited to be a part of the Muhlenberg staff and want to give back to a program that has given so much to them.

When asked, ”What is the most rewarding part of your job?”  They both replied confidently, “When students graduate and call back to tell you how they are doing.  It is rewarding to hear what they have done with their lives after leaving Job Corps!”  Kenny Brown, Center Director at Muhlenberg said, “Former students who come back to work in a Job Corps program have a good feel for what the current students are experiencing.  They usually make good listeners and great Job Corps employees due to the fact they have been on both sides of the fence.”  Mancilla and Howard are open to what promotions may lay ahead within the Job Corps program.  Mancilla, when asked what was his goal in Job Corps, replied with a big smile, “To be a center director of a Job Corps!” 

Mancilla and Howard are shining examples of what can be accomplished in the Job Corps program with a little determination.  Both say they want to be shining examples as staff members to the current students at Muhlenberg.  They are off to a great start and are shining the light brightly for all current students who are looking for the path to a better life.