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February 2019 Graduation at Phoenix Job Corps

February 2019 Graduation at Phoenix Job Corps

Cheers and tears of happiness filled the Phoenix Job Corps gymnasium on February 15, 2019 during the graduation ceremony. One-by-one, graduates in their caps and gowns marched to the front to receive their diplomas as family and friends looked on.

Samantha Jensen was one of the graduates. She already started her career, working in Accounts Receivable at CVS Healthcare making $18.50 an hour. Jensen describes the job as soft collections where she works a lot with customers on the phone, answering questions, trying to collect on outstanding balances. 

“Sometimes it’s hard but it’s just like with everything in life you have to remember they are people and they’re not necessarily angry at you but they’re angry at the situation,” said Jensen, who works 8 am-4:30 pm at the CVS office near 44th St. & Van Buren. 

“Overall, I really like it. They really treat us well. They have these fun contests every week with prizes.”
Jensen spent almost three months at Phoenix Job Corps before starting her 12-week internship at CVS. She was hired full-time over four months ago. 

 “I wouldn’t have gotten the job without Phoenix Job Corps,” Jensen said. “It really helped me get myself in there and now they can see what a hard worker I am.”

Next, Jensen wants to further her education. 

“CVS has this amazing program where they help you take college classes,” explained Jensen. “Of course, it has to be related to advancing your career at CVS. So, I’m thinking about earning my bachelor’s in business and finishing a bachelor’s I was earning in anthropology. I hope to move up in the company, maybe on the training side.”

Her advice to other graduates? 

“Remember that opportunity is here,” said Jensen. “All you have to do is go for it. You have the opportunity right here, right now, so use it. Don’t squander. There are a lot of people out there not given this opportunity. It’s a great one. It gives people careers. It gives people a future.”

Sumara Cuevas studied Office Administration and Computer Technician. She plans to go to college but is first saving for a car by working at the 99 Cent store close to her home.  

“I actually talk to some of my friends about it and they’re like, ‘hmmm, I should go there,’” said Cuevas. “And then I told my cousin about it and he said, ‘maybe I’ll go there, too.” 

She also has advice to Phoenix Job Corps students.

“Don’t mess around with the wrong people. Don’t get in trouble. Be respectful to the staff because they may be hard on you but they’re just trying to help you.”

Savanna Zarate finished the CNA program after eight months at Phoenix Job Corps. She’s interviewing with several companies for a caregiver position. She eventually wants to attend college and major in pediatrics. 

Zarate credits Job Corps for getting her this far. 

“It helped me achieve a lot, like my high school diploma,” said Zarate. “And then I was able to get my CNA here and they provided a free place to stay, three meals a day. It worked out real good.” 

She recommends other students stay the course. “Keep pushing because it’s worth it in the end. It really is.”
 

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