MCC Grad Gets New Lease on Life

Shalimar Blakely, now 28, has faced many obstacles in her life. By the time she was 16 years-old, she was already a mother of two, on public assistance. Although Shalimar was an honor roll student, she was not motivated to continue school. “There weren’t too many people in my surroundings who attended school regularly,” she recalls. “Without realizing it, I was becoming a victim of my environment.”

A close family member convinced Shalimar to return to school. She enrolled at Youth Service, Inc. (YSI) to complete her high school education, and it was through YSI that she learned about MCC. “YSI always stressed how important it was to obtain skills you could use in the corporate world. They didn’t offer that type of training but helped you get into programs that did.”

In May 1996, Shalimar began training at MCC and completed the office assistant program that same year. By the time she was 18, she had already obtained her first corporate job at Alexis, Inc., a frozen food manufacturer. Shalimar recalls how impressed the interviewer was with her knowledge of various computer programs, but moreover, she appreciated her positive attitude. “MCC had a personal development class that helped students understand that thinking positively will help you accomplish positive things.

"That class has truly helped me grow into the individual I am today.” Shalimar is currently employed at Independence Blue Cross as a Claims Payment Adjuster. She has an Associate Degree in Marketing from the Community College of Philadelphia. She recently purchased her first home and now plans to mentor inner city youths. “I believe I am blessed because I was able to pull myself out of the rut that I see so many other girls fall into. With a mentor, they too can believe that they are able to accomplish more.”

Shalimar is also a year away from completing her Bachelors degree at Temple University, which is where she faced yet another challenge. “I knew that entering my senior year meant I would have to complete an internship in my field of study. However, I wasn’t sure how to do that while working full-time and going to school part-time.” That's when she saw an internship available at MCC in the Marketing Communications department. In July 2006, she began the internship and completed it later that summer. “Ten years later, MCC is still helping me accomplish my goals. How wonderful is that?”

MCC Student Secures Aide Position
In June, Kim R. Simon enrolled in MCC’s Direct Care program. “During my first week of classes I learned what the employers considered a valuable employee and how to have a successful interview.” From then on, Simon took on an intense six-week training course. The curriculum included courses entitled “Intro to Computers,” “Medical Terminology,” “Working as a Direct Care Professional,” and “Personal and Professional Development.”

At the conclusion of her training, Kim acknowledges that she gained new confidence and competency in her personal and professional skills, stress management, and conflict resolution. She admitted that in the beginning, life was not easy and a lot of obstacles stood in her way. With help and support from MCC’s student advising staff, Kim persevered and made it through the rough times.

Kim Simon thanks MCC for not giving up on her when she was ready to call it quits. With the help of MCC and our Business Boutique, the on-site charitable wardrobe, she gained the confidence she needed to perform and succeed in a challenging job market. Kim now has a new career as a Direct Care Professional at Sunrise Senior Living facility in Lafayette Hill where she joins five other MCC graduates already working there. Congratulations to Kim Simon. We’re proud of her.

Jesus Portugues
A strong desire for education and the need to succeed was all he had. Today, that desire is not only benefiting Jesus Portugues, but also the people in his community.

Jesus Portugues, a 25 year old native from Puerto Rico, moved to Philadelphia shortly after graduating high school. He had very little money and did not completely understand the English language. Yet, Jesus was able to find a job working the night shift at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.

Jesus wanted more than just a job. He aspired to further his education but realized that with little income and limited English speaking skills this would be a challenge. His strong will and determination would not let these obstacles get in the way of his life-long goals of continuing his education and securing a career.

It wasn’t long before Jesus read about the MCC Computer Technology Institute in a local newspaper and was intrigued by program. In May 2004, Jesus enrolled in the Software program at MCC CTI. After a year of classes, a three month internship at the United Way as a database developer, and working four nights per week at a restaurant, Jesus earned his Associates degree in August 2005. “It was rough. I took my books to my job. But I did it.” He was able to teach himself English through daily communications and by watching television, and he is the first in his family to graduate from college.

Jesus is now taking courses at Drexel University and is on track to earn his bachelors degree in computer technology in 2007. He has maintained a 4.0 average and has made the Deans List. However, Jesus’ success does not stop there. With his newly acquired skills obtained from MCC CTI, Jesus is helping redesign the website for the marketing department at Nueva Esperanza, a bilingual training school in North Philadelphia. Jesus is paying it forward, he is using the skills and knowledge gained through his education at MCC CTI to train and teach Microsoft applications and office skills to the students, recycling assignments that he was given at MCC. “Basically [I am] teaching the same class at Nueva Esperanza that Amy Miller taught at MCC CTI.” Ms. Miller, Director of Education, described Jesus as a hard working, intelligent individual who always excelled in his projects and went above and beyond what was necessary.

Overall, Jesus is doing what it takes to accomplish his goals. In addition to attending classes at Drexel University and teaching at Nueva Esperanza, Jesus is also working towards his real estate license. Eventually, he would like to have his own company. Jesus is realizing his true potential and now has the strong foundation he needs to be successful - and to help others fulfill their dreams.

Andria Manning
Andria Manning is truly a model student on her way to the career of her dreams

Andria Manning is beginning a new path for herself. She is currently studying in the Administrative Office Support/ Legal Program at MCC and plans to graduate in May 2006. MCC encouraged her to make it through the four week STRIVE program which gave Manning the the impetus to further enhance her career opportunities by joining the AOS program.

Andria Manning is a successful MCC student who recently modeled in MCC's fashion show on February 23. This event celebrated the re-opening of the Business Boutique. The boutique is a charitable wardrobe that provides students with affordable professional attire. During her interview Manning conveyed the professional skills needed to obtain the "model" position.

Before MCC, Manning was working at a temp agency but they were unable to find her full-time work. MCC provides Manning with the training she needs to find a full-time job. Currently Manning is a mother of two children, a nine-year old daughter and a one-year old son.

MCC has supported Manning personally and professionally. “The staff is always patient, resourceful and committed to seeing that I do succeed,” said Manning. “I have learned to make the necessary character adjustments in my attitude and habits that will better equip me for my career goals.” She has frequent consultations with teachers who take the time to make sure Manning will complete the program requirements. As Manning goes through the program she feels MCC is properly preparing her for the workforce.

After graduation Manning would like to take classes at the Community College of Philadelphia in order to pursue her career as a style consultant as well as open her own jewelry store.