Maurice Jasmann grew up on a dairy farm in North Dakota. One of 13 children, Maurice was often labeled “the problem child.” He spent most of his teenage years getting in trouble until he eventually found himself in a juvenile prison. It was here that two police officers sat him down and told him “You’re not a bad kid, you’re just making bad choices.” These officers introduced Maurice to Job Corps, which changed his life forever.
Maurice entered Weber Basin Job Corps center with two and a half high school credits. The beginning was a little rocky as he was almost kicked out of the program; but thanks to guidance from mentors and a great group of friends on-campus, Maurice found his way and is happy that he did.
“I remember the people I had mentor me when I was at Job Corps, and it was huge; you need those mentors. There are a few that I have been able to contact through Facebook and let them know they were a huge impact on my life.”
Maurice worked hard to earn his high school diploma and completed two training areas—Carpentry and Building Maintenance. He also took advantage of the programs Job Corps offered including fire crew and student government, which provided him skills that came in handy later in life.
After graduating from Job Corps, Maurice spent 8 years in the U.S. Army and an additional 17 years in the U.S. National Guard. Maurice claims that Job Corps and its student government program gave him the leadership skills that helped him succeed in both of these careers.
Following his time in the military, Maurice received an online degree in human resources from Rasmussen College. When looking for job listings, he came across an admissions counselor position, which unbeknownst to him was a Job Corps job listing.
“When they called and told me this was a Job Corps job listing, I was so excited.”
Maurice has been a Job Corps admissions counselor for a little over a year and is loving every minute of it. He believes his experience has helped him be a better mentor to those in the program.
“I tell my students—I made my mistakes at Job Corps; I was on the verge of being kicked out. I am a firm believer in second chances. I tell my students you’re going to make mistakes in life but don’t let those mistakes define you.”
Job Corps gave Maurice a new outlook on life and set him on the path to success.
“My mother went through much heartbreak because of me. I remember her in tears many times when I was being arrested and in handcuffs, being sent home from school suspended for silliness many times, or not coming home for entire weekends because I was out partying and doing things I should not be doing. The day I graduated from Job Corps, I witnessed my mother in tears again, but it was the first time she was crying with pride. I tell this to students all the time, and it was one of the greatest feelings I have ever had for my mother to finally tell me how proud she was of me.”
Graduated from Job Corps in: 1989 Employer: Job Corps Hometown: Spiritwood, N.D. Phone: 701-400-7062 Email: Jasmann.Maurice@jobcorps.org Submitted by: Webinar submission