Jessica’s Dreams Fulfilled

Last year was the most challenging time of my life as a single mother of my two kids (boy of 9 yo, girl of 2 yo). I tried to work as many hours as possible in a retail store, since I had to drop off and pick up my children while doing all the responsibilities in between. I was so exhausted and my earnings were not enough.

I tried to work full-time in a warehouse… Sadly, just after a couple of days my body surrendered. It was a wake up call for me. I realized that ‘I can’t sick and too exhausted because my children need me”.

Fortunately, I came across WorkBC to learn about how they help people like me. At first, I was honestly hesitant with my employment counsellor’s suggestion because I felt like I didn’t have time to study, all I wanted to do was earn and provide for my children. I hadn’t seen the bigger picture yet. But still, I was attending the seminar and following what my employment counsellor instructed me to do. And it was the best decision I made that time.

All that I went through was so helpful for me to go back to my core and my real interest in life, and to connect it to my current needs. At first, I thought I wanted to just work in an office or something alike. But as I dug deeper and went back to my heart’s desire, what I was capable of and learned more about the job market, I came to realize and concluded that I wanted to fulfill my childhood dream to become a teacher.

With the help of my employment counsellor and support of WorkBC programs, I was able to take Early Childhood Education in Vancouver Career College. The journey I experienced while taking the program was truly enjoyable. I was able to focus on my studies and complete them with honors because I felt at ease knowing my children were in safe environments and that all financial matters related to my education and their daycare were well taken care of. Most importantly, I was able to provide my children’s everyday needs because of the ministry’s financial support.

Thank you so much that you also extended the support through employment transition program. With that, I could focus on our basic needs, especially the food that has been very expensive lately. I really cannot imagine our life if I hadn’t meet you.

Things since then were falling into places. I am beyond grateful to my employment counsellor, Whalley WorkBC Centre team, The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, and the programs you have and keep on doing for all the people in need like me. You are all my inspiration to also be the blessing to others. I may not be able to pay it back directly to all of you, but I will make sure to pay it forward, I will do my best to be a good citizen of this country and help others in need as well.

Currently, I am working full time in a big daycare where I am entrusted to run a classroom with maximum capacity of 25 children, even before I finished my probationary period. It is a privilege and a big responsibility at the same time, and I am ready for it! My daughter is also attending the same daycare which made things very convenient in terms of travel, time, and effort.

I may not have much experience about teaching way back home, but I felt equipped because of the opportunity you gave me. You didn’t just provide us with assistance; now I have a better career and significantly improved income, you also provided me and my children a guiding light to have a better path in reaching our better future. Right now, there is a clearer view of how I want my career to expand in this field.

Again, thank you so much for dedicating your knowledge, strength, heart, and especially your time in guiding me and the other clients you have. Blessings!