“I went from being a high school dropout to a teacher.”
Mary Limon’s incredible full-circle journey started because she had grown tired of her living situation after dropping out of high school. During that time, she was also met with the harsh reality that she didn’t have any future plans or hope of a better future. After seeing an advertisement on television, she decided to turn to Job Corps to change that.
Mary packed her bags and attended North Texas Job Corps, 6 hours away from home. Although she was on her way to building a better future and taking back her life, that didn’t diminish the fact that she was homesick and in a new, unfamiliar environment. Although she contemplated leaving during the first few days, she decided to stick with her decision, and quickly came to embrace all that Job Corps had to offer.
Mary completed the Business Office Technology training area and participated a 6-week work-based learning experience with the Department of Labor in Dallas. During her work-based learning, Mary learned various skills that fell within her training area, allowing her to get hands-on experience in a real, professional setting.
“Even if you think you can’t, do it,” Mary said. “I would not be where I am right now if I had left Job Corps before I completed the program.”
And where Mary ended up is truly remarkable. Currently a third-grade science and social studies teacher, Mary graduated from Texas A&M–Commerce with a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies. She is ESL- and Generalist-certified in the state of Texas, and she has plans to attend graduate school at Texas A&M–Commerce for a master’s in education with a focus on curriculum and instruction.
“Job Corps is a program to help you get your life together and put you on a designed path to help you ‘grow up’ and focus on your future,” Mary says to future students. “Stay focused and determined to complete the goal you have set for yourself, and don’t give up.”
Graduated from Job Corps in: Jan. 9, 2005 Employer: Third grade science and social studies teacher Hometown: Erath, Louisiana Email: marynlimon4@gmail.com Submitted by: Facebook Direct Messages