Hello, my name is Jarred Pace, I am 26 years old and I am from Orlando Florida, my interest in Job Corps began while I was working for Wood Spring hotel where I worked as a night auditor. One day, while I was filling in for a coworker, I noticed a Job Corps commercial on T.V. and I didn’t think anything of it. But everywhere I went, and every TV I looked at, the Job Corps ad seemed to be playing right as I glanced over. It felt like a sign. I had always dreamed of a bright future, although things at the time were a bit rocky for me, I am a hard worker and I decided to give it a shot. The first connection I made was with my intake advisor, she told me of the potential she saw in me, and how the greatness she saw in me wasn’t a matter of “if,” just a matter of when. Admittedly, I was anxious, I knew I was a little older than the typical applicant, but that interview instilled in me the confidence to achieve anything I set my heart on, no matter the obstacles I might face. There was no turning back then and there is no turning back now.
As of March 9th, 2020, I enrolled in TCU/IAM advanced training program in Washington D.C., right before Covid changed the world. For me, and for my peers, this was devastating. Many of us felt we were finally on the right path, and Job Corps was the road less traveled to a better future. And just like that, it was over. Students were going home and had to find a way to sustain themselves while everything seemed to fall apart around us. Even more troubling was the shadow of fear and uncertainty that followed each of us around for what felt like an eternity. It was more than a year before I could return and continue my on-center studies. Those times were difficult, and admittedly I did stumble, but I was persistent, and I prevailed, and today I stand at the top of my game. I am currently president of SGA where I obtained a certification of leadership skills and my serve safe certification.
Being part of SGA means so much to me, however, I could not be where I am today without the guidance and inspiration of Ms. Armstrong, Ms. Pitts, and Mr. Penn; they are my role models, and lend me the courage to conquer my goals.