My name is Niasha. I want to share my story about being off-center during COVID–19.
When COVID sent you home for an extended spring break, what were you most nervous
about?
I was really nervous about my progress and losing how far I’ve come (along so far) in the (Job
Corps) program. I was worried if I would be able to come back and finish, or if everything I
worked so hard for over the past couple months would be gone.
Once Job Corps launched its virtual learning platform, what were you most excited out?
I was most excited about being able to continue my work and not having to worry about what’s
going to be my next step.
What kinds of challenges did you face as a result of COVID and being home?
I faced the pressure of coming back home with nothing. I figured out what I was going to do
next, including rushing out to find a job so I could support myself (until I was able to graduate
from Job Corps).
How did ODJCC staff help you face those challenges?
The staff at Old Dominion Job Corps were wonderful. They helped me out — talking me
through everything. There was never a time where they didn’t let me know what was going on
so while I was nervous, I was never uncertain about my education. I completed Job Corps at
home which was amazing.
Do you have a favorite staff, teacher, instructor or counselor?
It’s so hard to pick just one teacher, counselor or instructor because there are so many wonderful
people that helped me along the way. If I’d have to pick, Tijuana Bell-Martin and
Shaveanna Weston have been so, so amazing.
How did that favorite staff, teacher, instructor or counselor help you?
Ms. Bell-Martin and Ms. Weston are wonderful ladies! Both stuck by me from day one and
never gave up on me even when I gave up on myself. I was ready to just go home. I broke
down multiple times and they were right there letting me get it out and then picking me back
up. They fought for me more than I fought for myself and wanted to see me succeed.
What are you most hopeful about as 2021 begins?
I’m most hopeful about the new goals I set for myself and continuing my education. COVID
resulted in a lot of hard challenges, but — but because of Job Corps — I was able to get
past it and accomplish what I needed to do to build a better life for myself.