Carlos Sotolongo, a 2005 San Diego Job Corps graduate, recently returned to the center to visit with former instructors and speak with current students.  “I was 19 years old when I enrolled at Job Corps,” Mr. Sotolongo stated.  “When I arrived I was pretty independent and a little bit of a rebel, and for awhile I wasn’t making much progress.  I heard good things about the Homeland Security instructor, Ray Hondl and his class, so I decided this would be my career path.  From Ray I learned the steps I had to take to be successful.”

“Carlos changed a lot during his time in my class,” Mr. Hondl advised. “He became more focused and disciplined, and was a role model for others in the class.  We kept in touch after he left Job Corps and I’ve been following his success.”

After leaving Job Corps Mr. Sotolongo worked full-time for a security firm and later was employed by a national retailer in San Diego, while taking courses at a community college. “At one point I decided to attend college full-time and enrolled in the psychology program at San Diego State University,” Mr. Sotolongo advised.  “In May I received my Batchelor of Science Degree in Psychology.  While at State I also studied the Italian language, which was not difficult for me as my parents are Cuban and Mexican, and I speak Spanish fluently.”

In September Mr. Sotolongo will begin a three month internship at a technical (public) high school in Milan, Italy.  As a teacher’s assistant he will be teaching Mexican and United States culture, and sharing information about San Diego. “When I return to San Diego I plan on attending the University Of San Diego Law School and specialize in international law.  My ultimate professional goal is to work at a U.S. embassy in this country or overseas.”

Mr. Sotolongo and Mr. Hondl remained friends after Sotolongo graduated from Job Corps.  “I’m proud of all Carlos has accomplished and have no doubt that he will achieve all of his future goals,” Mr. Hondl stated, standing next to Carlos in his classroom.  “Job Corps gave me the foundation to build on,” Carlos added.  “Without this program I don’t know what my life would be like now.”