Real Stories from YEI Youth
Patricia Center
I got pregnant when I was 14 and was kicked out of high school for my low attendance. During my teens, I had no guidance in my life and no motivation to return to high school. It was not until I turned 20 and was pregnant with my third child that I realized how hard it would be to support my kids without a high school diploma. I tried other programs, but I felt like no one there was on my side. It was important to me to be a better person, not only for the sake of my children and their future, but also for myself.
When I came to Youth Employment Institute I was paired up with a case manager who encouraged me to get my degree. The financial assistance and childcare made it possible for me to go back to school, but it was the constant moral support that kept me going. Whenever I would feel like giving up, there would be someone at YEI telling me 'you can make it, I know you can.' YEI gave me something no other school that I attended could - guidance and support. YEI helped me get the education that I needed to achieve my goals.
For two years and one month, I have worked at Nike as an Apparel Merchandiser. I make the products more appealing to customers by setting up the store in a special way. I love what I am doing and I love being part of a team. Youth Employment Institute helped me find my job and gave me confidence and skills to succeed. I am proud of the work that I do and of the role model I can be for my kids.