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Congratulations to X-Cel's 2016-17 Graduates
"Keep Striving, keep learning.
When you fall down six times, get up seven."
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On June 23, X-Cel celebrated its 45 2016-17 graduates in a night filled with happiness, reflection, and motivation. Highlights of the night included graduate speakers Alisha Spinkston (right-middle picture) and Austin Waite (left picture), as well as an inspirational words from Rahn Dorsey, Chief of Education for the City of Boston.
X-Cel's graduates represent strength and perseverance, hope and courage, love and passion. The messages of the night were clear. As remarked clearly by Ms. Spinkston: "I told myself to never give up." This sentiment was echoed by Mr. Waite: "Keep working; keep striving; keep learning. Never give up. Without commitment you will never start. And more importantly, without consistency, you will never finish." It is this winning mindset among community members -- a dedication to pursue ambitious goals and set out a course to achieve them -- that enables economic development at the grassroots level.
The high school equivalency is not the end game for X-Cel graduates; to the contrary, it is the key to a new beginning. X-Cel's graduates, now a network of almost 700, have post-secondary degrees in professional fields such as healthcare, software engineering, carpentry, paralegal studies, social work, and business administration (to name a few), as well as liberal arts fields such as psychology and mathematics.
In the words of Rahn Dorsey, X-Cel's graduates represent "nontraditional, exceptional students." Indeed, X-Cel students do not walk through our doors from a conventional background. Whether an immigrant who started working at the age of 15, a former high school student student who had to prioritize round-the-clock care for a sick family member, a youth who joined the wrong crowds, or a single parent working two jobs to make ends meet -- X-Cel students have a story. For this very reason they are resolute in their quest for transformation -- for themselves and their families.
Congratulations again to the Class of 2017!
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Post-secondary education and training are crucial next steps for our HiSET graduates. College and occupational training are the catalyst for living wage careers and financial independence. Below are five inspirational stories of X-Cel students who earned a post-secondary credential and graduated in May 2017.
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Graduate Spotlight:
Jodie Robinson
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Jodie Robinson is fascinated by the connections of healthcare, technology, and social work. "My dream job would be at the cross roads of technology and healthcare. I want to use technology to make healthcare more accessible for all." As a first step, Jodie is currently an intern at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts, a 501(c)(3) offering services to those with mental and developmental challenges, as well as those who are homeless or who have substance use disorders. She manages the organization's "Caretracker" software program that tracks client data. "Going to work is such a good thing. Even when I am lying in bed, I think about ways to improve the product for my clients."
To get to this fortunate position, however, was far from straightforward; it is the fruit of her grit and tenacity that she has demonstrated over the past 15 years.
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Jodie grew up in southern Jamaica, and while her family had high educational expectations, financial constraints often got in the way. At a community level, college was not really on the radar. "It was not affordable. People in my community generally got mediocre jobs after high school; they did not go to college." Jodie graduated from high school in Jamaica in 1989, and immigrated to the United States in 2002. In Boston, Jodie began working as a cook, but was unhappy. "This is not something I really wanted for myself. When my kids asked what I did, I wanted to give them a better answer." She adds, "I wanted to do something I loved. I wanted to
choose
my career, and only with education would I have the opportunity to choose."
Recognizing that education was indispensable to build a career, Jodie enrolled in X-Cel's Bowdoin St. GED program. She considers her high school equivalency credential to be her single greatest accomplishment. "X-Cel's math program was particularly hard. But even when I would give up on myself, and even after having to re-take the test multiple times, Don [X-Cel's Executive Director] and staff members would not give up on me." She was also motivated by seeing her classmates earn the credential. "If they didn't give up, why should I?." Jodie earned her GED in 2013, and felt invincible. "After I got my GED, nothing could stand in my way. I was ready to overcome any obstacle. I was prepared mentally."
In January 2014, she enrolled in Roxbury Community College's Network Administration Program. While at RCC, she started working at The Bridge of Central MA as a Day Program Coordinator, helping coordinate math/English classes and planning activities for clients. It is through this role she learned about and was given the opportunity work at the back-end of the organization's "caretracker" data system, which she began while still enrolled at RCC.
Jodie is currently planning on applying to a 4-year UMASS Boston bachelor's degree program next year. Her advice to other students: "Don't let anything get in the way of your education. Don't say you can't because you have kids or because you have a job; just go do it. There is no time like the present."
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Graduate Spotlight:
Hussein Ali
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Hussein Ali was born in Somalia, grew up in Kenya, and immigrated to the United States in 2010, after graduating high school the previous year. After arriving in Boston, Hussein knew he wanted to enroll in college, and therefore enrolled in X-Cel's College Prep program in mid-2010 to prepare for placement exams. "I have learned to take every opportunity available, and the best way I can help myself and help others is education. It is the key to success."
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After graduating from College Prep, Hussein began an Associate of Arts in Psychology at Bunker Hill Community College in Fall 2010. He credits his early success in school to the continued support of his College Prep instructor, Kelly Folsom. "Kelly was always there for me. I would often meet with Kelly and share the issues I was having in class or personally. He helped me build the confidence needed to succeed."
In February 2011, Hussein worked as a Youth and Health Outreach Worker for the Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center in Jamaica Plain. "I helped the families navigate alternative educational opportunities and provided cultural & linguistic support. In addition, I helped refugees adjust to the American school system by providing support to parents, children and school staff." In that same September, he added even further responsibilities to his plate, working as a school administrator for the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center, MAS Quran Institute, where he maintained administrative records, such as budgets, payroll, and student records.
While balancing these other responsibilities, Hussein managed to graduate from Bunker Hill Community with Honors, earning an Associate of Arts in Psychology. Further, he was awarded a $1,000 through the Student Government Association Leaders of Tomorrow scholarship, which goes to a one graduating student entering a four-year institution who "best demonstrate[s] academic achievement and outstanding leadership."
In September 2013, Hussein enrolled as a transfer student at Northeastern University's business school. Commenting on the transition, "from BHCC to Northeastern there was a big difference. At BHCC, we were a small community; we all new each other other. Northeastern was kind of challenging in the beginning, both academically and culturally, but later I was able to catch up and get involved different groups. The classes were also very demanding. But I was driven not to fail at this process. I needed to prove to myself that I could do it, and set an example for others." At Northeastern, Hussein majored in Economics, with a concentration in finance. "I love the challenges that go along with finance. Finance also is an opportunity to connect with people and make decisions." As part of Northeastern University's co-op program, Hussein worked at the financial services firms State Street and Brown Brothers Harriman. Reflecting on the latter, "I loved this co-op because of the people and the learning process."
Hussein graduated from Northeastern with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics this past spring. Asked about his "next steps," he has broken down his goals for the short- and longer-term. Currently, he is searching for full-time jobs at investment management firms and studying for Level 1 of the Certified Financial Analyst credential. He plans to seek an MBA in the future, and dreams of entering into some type of developmental finance role. "I want to improve the wealth of other people and help them become more independent."
His advice to future students: "Believe in yourself and look forward. Life is a challenge; nothing is easy; surround yourself with good people and just move forward."
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Graduate Spotlight:
Tina Horan
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"My motivation for anything positive is always my children. They will be more likely to attend college if I did." This motivation carried Tina through X-Cel's College Prep program in the Summer of 2014, after she was left unemployed when funding fell through for her job. "I tried to get a job in the field after being laid off, but every opening required a degree of some sort. I realized going back to school was a necessity to reach my employment goals."
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Tina grew up Worcester, Massachusetts. She attended Worcester Technical High School, but dropped out close to the end of her senior year. Growing up, she recognized the value of education, but the expectation was not necessarily to obtain a college degree. She discovered X-Cel as a participant of STRIVE, an X-Cel partner offering job readiness and employment services, as well as high school equivalency and college prep classes run by X-Cel. Tina had lost a job due to funding issues in Massachusetts, and recognized that further education was required to reach her employment goals.
While starting classes in 2013, she had to leave the program due to personal issues, but returned and completed them in 2014. She noted, "I was a scared individual. I was afraid to take on tasks because I might be judged and there was always a possibility of failure. X-Cel staff showed me that there will always be struggles in life, but it is important to keep moving forward." For one example, she recounted her struggles with math. Grace, the math instructor at the Ruggles location, helped me see that I was actually good at math. I was always afraid of math, but she made me realized I can complete the problems with hard work."
Tina immediately enrolled in Bunker Hill Community College's Human Services program in Fall 2014, and had no problem taking on a challenge. Taking a full course-load in semester one, while also facing financial problems and an unhealthy relationship,
she met the requirements for the Dean's List, and remained on the Dean's List in the following semester.
At this time, she maintained a strong relationship with X-Cel's team. She would often meet with X-Cel's former AmeriCorps VISTA Ben to talk through personal and academic issues, and indeed credits her persistence at BHCC to him. Furthermore, Kelly Folsom, X-Cel's post-secondary specialist provided "constant support and guidance," and encourage her to apply for a scholarship through One Family, Inc., which she won.
Tina graduated with an Associate of Science in May 2017. Bunker Hill's program prepares students for entry level Human Services roles, as well as four-year programs.
Beyond improving her career prospects, however, college gave her confidence. "Attending college taught me that with hard work, I can achieve many things. I have built a rock solid support system, which is more like a family." She further adds the impact it has had on her family. "My children strive for better grades in school because they are witnessing my efforts.They want to succeed in their academics as well."
Tina is currently in her job search to work in the field, in a case management or advocate position. "I just want to utilize my skills and experience from life and college to help others overcome barriers and achieve goals." In the interim, she is working at Stop & Shop as a Customer Service Clerk. She is also weighing her options of a 4-year sociology of psychology program, with particular interest in Boston University and Lesley University. Reflecting on her dream job: "I would love to work as a case manager or advocate for people/populations in need, such as the homeless, substance abusers, immigrants, etc. I would like to help these people reach their goals to better their lives."
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Graduate Spotlight:
Wilfreid Megueni-Noudjom
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Wilfreid Megueni-Noudjom grew up in Cameroon, a country in Central Africa, and immigrated to the United States in 2014. He j
oined X-Cel's College Prep program in this same year in an effort to improve his English and math skill and get on track to go to college.
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Wilfreid completed College Prep in Fall 2014, and credits the program to jump-start his college career. "X-Cel's College Prep program gave me the skills to skip 2 class levels. The individualized instruction allowed me to freely ask questions when a something was unclear." He adds that X-Cel helped him become a role model for others. "X-Cel affected my life in a way where I can help people enroll in college too; X-Cel showed me the way, and I can show it to others."
In Spring 2015, Wilfreid enrolled in the Associate of Science in Business Administration/Finance option at Bunker Hill Community College.
This program requires courses such as money and banking, investments, and financial management to prepare students to enter the financial services industry.
To support himself while in school, Wilfreid worked (and continues to work) as a cashier as Hannaford supermarket and Home Depot. Despite the fact that Wilfreid found the balancing act between classes and two jobs to be his single greatest challenge, he has found fulfillment in his jobs. "I enjoy my jobs since they consist of helping people do their shopping."
Upon graduating from BHCC in Spring 2017, Wilfreid started a bachelor's degree program in business management at Lesley University, a private university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Looking into the future, Wilfreid is driven to be a financial manager, and continue to set a positive example for his brother. "My motivation for going back school is to have a better life and to lead the way for my brother."
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**UPDATE: Paula was previously featured in our May 2016 newsletter. Check out her story below to she what she has been up to over the past year.
Paula was motivated to pursue a high school equivalency as a first step to build a stable career. She joined X-Cel's HiSET Prep program in October 2014. Attending X-Cel's Dorchester location, she worked consistently with four long-term tutors, and earned her credential in May 2015. Reflecting on her time in Dorchester, "X-Cel provided professional tutors and teachers who are sensitive towards persons seeking to improve their lives and careers. It has helped me and many other immigrants achieve our dreams."
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Graduate Spotlight:
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Upon graduating, Paula enrolled in College Prep, working extensively with X-Cel staff member Kelly Folsom. Paula enrolled at Bunker Hill Community College's Central Processing Certificate Program in Fall 2015. The program prepares students to become a Registered Central Processing Technicians and assume leadership roles within this field. Her motivation for entering the health care industry: "To gain financial stability by doing something I enjoy."
Paula graduated from the program in May 2017, and subsequently passed the international certification exam on her first attempt. With degree and certification in hand, she started working at Boston's Brigham and Women's hospital as a Sterile Technician. Her responsibilities include decontaminating instruments, sterilization, building case carts, and putting together specific sets of instruments for specific surgeries. "Working at Brigham and Women's is extremely gratifying. I have always wanted to be a part of the medical industry, and I've learned that without Sterile Technicians the hospital would not be able to provide an effective patient care system."
Beyond the fulfillment she finds in entering the medical field is the comfort of financial stability. "[This role] has helped me contribute to the dream my husband and I have to acquire our own home. It has also helped me feel more self-sufficient and not so reliant on my husband."
Trying to identify her proudest moment during her educational/professional journey so far, she recounts: "First when I got my GED, then, getting a job before I was even certified. And then finally doing my international certified exam and passing the first try. OMG...that was super awesome!!!!!!!." Paula plans to build a career at Brigham and Women's over the next 5-10 years, and is considering working towards an RN.
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