Recent Carl D. Perkins Job Corps graduate John Matthews, is fulfilling his ultimate career goal, joining U.S. ARMY. When John Matthews joined job corps in July of 2019 he was exhausted from desperately seeking employment and eager for independence. He began the program thinking it would help him get a job, not realizing he would be beginning a career. Matthews mindset quickly changed after he developed a personal career plan. Now 13 months later, the reality of accomplishing his ultimate career goal in the Army is unfolding.
Matthews is eager to report to basic training at Fort Benning U.S. Army base in Georgia, a drastic change from his residence in Harrodsburg, KY. Upon completion of a 14-16-week basic combat, and advanced individual training beginning August 11, he will officially become John Matthews, U.S. Army soldier. Matthews plan is to specialize in the infantry.
Mathews found his passion during training in the Security and Protective Services field at Carl D. Perkins Job Corps. His favorite part of Security training was the challenging physical fitness routine, aligning him with goals needed to be successful in the military. Matthews was a leader in addition to his training, serving as a center safety cadet, and room captain in his dorm.
John Matthews admits he wouldn’t be where he is today without the guidance and resources of job corps. Job Corps helped me to identify my focus in life to and gave me resources to accomplish it” says Mathews, with renewed focus, and hope for the future. John’s message to current and prospective students is to “ Keep the end in mind, and keep your eyes on the prize.”