Dezmond Handy, a 2015 North Texas Job Corps Center (NTJCC) graduate from the cement masonry program is living his dream.  He graduated from Texas College in Tyler, TX in May 2020 and is now employed as a 7th grade Texas history teacher at Hector P. Garcia Middle School in the Dallas Independent School District.  He also coaches the football, basketball, and baseball teams at the school.  His annual salary with all the extra coaching assignments is $64,000.  “The NTJCC experience was simply amazing” says Handy.  “What made it great was the people I came in contact with like my cement masonry instructor, Brian Fierros.  He helped me to see that there is always another way when you feel like there is a road block, just step back and think past your situation.”

“NTJCC was truly an experience and prepared me for everything that I faced after I graduated.”  After graduating from NTJCC, Handy went to work for Potter’s Concrete Company.  While employed there, Handy decided on a career change.  “I just felt that this was not what I was put here to do.  And at that point I started to search for a career I could do for the rest of my life and teaching and coaching was it.”  In August of 2015, Handy enrolled at Texas College where he received his Bachelors of Science in Social Work.

Handy shared the following advice for other youth, “find your “why” and hold on to your why and don’t give up on your why.  When it gets tough, remember your why and when you have accomplished everything you have ever dreamed of, THANK YOUR WHY.”

Dezmond Handy