Before enrolling in the Cleveland Job Corps Center, Raja Tshaka was in and out of her mother’s home and unable to keep a steady job. Wanting to leave home, get her education, and do better for herself and her family, Raja decided to try Job Corps.
Raja came to the Cleveland Job Corps Center with heavy burdens, a strong mind, and tall walls. However, she was determined to succeed, earning her Nursing Assistant, ServSafe, First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, and Home Health Aide credentials. Raja was a member of Anime Club and participated in plays put on by the drama department. She often volunteered to help clean the dorms and teachers’ classrooms, and to be part of community service projects.
“I kept myself busy to maintain peace of mind and met really cool people who I now call friends,” Raja said.
Raja never thought she would grow to love nursing as much as she does until she entered the nursing assistant program and had a teacher like Carla Widener.
“Ms. Widener is so full of wisdom and experience,” Raja said. “She saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself.”
Raja had a good rapport with several staff members around center. “I love them all for helping me keep my head in the game. They have helped me improve all of my career success standards, and for that I thank them.”
After completing her training at the Cleveland Job Corps Center, Raja began working at Norwill Health Care Academy as a home health aide. She’s also considering higher education that would allow her to pursue her passions in the arts.
“Attitude equals altitude, and that’s the mindset I have thanks to my Job Corps experience,” Raja said. “I appreciate everything it’s done for me. I wouldn’t change my experience for the world.”
Graduated from Job Corps in: February 2019 Employer: Norwill Health Care Academy Hometown: Columbus, Ohio