Lensa Warkese
Age: 30
Hometown: Ethiopia
Region: Philadelphia
Center: Blue Ridge
Dates enrolled: 7/23/2013-8/25/2015
Training: Nursing Assistant, High School Diploma

Lensa Warkesa came to the United States from Ethiopia as a young adult in search of a better life. Shortly after arrival, she took the best job she could find, working in retail at a clothing store. Lensa stated that the job was difficult for her in large part due to her limited English language skills. Luckily, a friend who had been in the States a little longer informed her about Job Corps, and Lensa decided to apply. She knew that it would help her get started, but she could never have imagined how big of a stepping stone it would be.
First and foremost, it gave Lensa a place to spend time with American peers to learn more about the culture in America while also being able to share her unique perspectives and experiences. In addition to taking ESL courses at Blue Ridge, one of the things that helped her to learn the language he most was making friends and learning to communicate with them. She enrolled in the CNA program, and earned certifications as a certified nursing assistant, electronic health records, and med. tech. Just as important, Lensa was able to earn her high school diploma as well as her driver’s license. “The opportunity to gain this education, while also receiving room and board, food, and medical care all for free gave me a leg up that I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else,” Lensa stated. She went on to say “I felt like I was with my family when I was there.”
Once she completed CNA with high school diploma in hand, Lensa decided to enroll at Virginia Highlands Community College through BRJC’s Advanced Career Training program. While completing her college courses, she was able to save money by working part-time as a CNA. After completing her pre-requisite classes, she graduated from Blue Ridge, and transferred to George Mason University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in computer science. After graduation, Lensa was married, and is now the mother to a beautiful daughter. She returned home to Ethiopia so that her daughter could spend time with her family, but she has recently returned to the U.S., and she plans to return to school in the fall to earn her Master’s in computer science.
As a word of advice to current and future students, Lensa said, “please use this opportunity to get all the certificate you can, and consider entering the college program. Job Corps set me up for success, and it can do the same for you.”