“If it weren’t for Job Corps, I wouldn’t be here where I am.”
Morgan Griffith quit school in eighth grade. He had one job at a roofing company but was laid off in the wintertime. He didn’t know what he wanted to do in life and didn’t have anywhere to go. When Morgan turned 18, his mother told him about Job Corps. It didn’t take much for Morgan to decide to enroll at Atterbury Job Corps in Edinburgh, Ind.
When Morgan arrived for orientation, he wanted to enroll in the Heavy Equipment Operator training area, but it was full. He signed up for the Security training and was pleasantly surprised. He stayed busy with activities, including helping children with their schoolwork in the recreation area. Morgan even earned his high school diploma.
“It was fun. I loved security … and the [diploma]. I just loved it all. It was great.”
During his one year on center, Morgan took pride in the skills he learned, especially beyond his training. He really responded to the discipline and responsibility of having to wake up early, do chores and go to bed early. He learned how to live by himself. The time management, organization and independence skills were key to Morgan’s time on center. His friend also helped push him through and taught him how to dress professionally and speak well.
“They gave me everything I needed while I was at Job Corps.”
However, like so many Job Corps students, Morgan was homesick for, among other things, the food he grew up on. He asked if the cafeteria could serve catfish one day. From then on, they served Cajun catfish once a week. Everyone was so excited, and Morgan was sure to bring the hot sauce.
“The best thing was the people. Everybody is there to help you.”
Morgan also gained real-world experience working in security at the front gate on center. For about six months, he checked people in, opened the gate and more. Morgan’s biggest challenge was being away from family. The center was about two hours away from where he grew up, so his family couldn’t afford to visit. However, Morgan achieved good grades and was able to go on weekend trips off center.
“When you’re in Job Corps, they get you ready for the real world.”
After graduating, Morgan went back to Louisiana and to his goal of driving trucks. His first job was
working in agricultural trucking. Morgan then decided to get his commercial driver’s license. Fast forward to 2022, and Morgan’s been driving 18-wheelers for seven years. He works for a company called New Hope driving from Louisiana to Tennessee, Louisiana to Texas and Louisiana to Mississippi. He uses the skills he learned at Job Corps every day, especially time management. Morgan hopes to own his own truck in the future and wants to encourage others to go to Job Corps.
“Tomorrow is a new day. If you’re doing bad today, Job Corps is there for you tomorrow. All you have to do is wake up and go.”
Graduated from Job Corps in: 2013 Employer: Truck driver, New Hope, Louisiana Hometown: Winnsboro, Louisiana Phone: 318-535-3574 Email: jerrygriffith93@yahoo.com Submitted by: Becca Sweredoski Notes:
Source: JC FB DM, National Office, NationalOffice@jobcorps.org