Sharon McLaurin Oliver enrolled at Batesville Job Corps Center (now Finch-Henry Job Corps Center) in Mississippi in September of 1988. She wanted to leave her small hometown and find opportunities to grow and start her own life.
Sharon’s sister enrolled in Job Corps first. After watching her sister succeed and enjoy the program, she decided to follow in her footsteps.
Before Job Corps, Sharon struggled with low self-esteem. In 1989, Finch-Henry Job Corps Center hosted a beauty pageant. Staff shared dresses with students who needed them, including Sharon, so any students who were interested could participate. Sharon was crowned Miss BJCC and continued to the regional pageant. In her victory speech, Sharon remembers feeling a huge boost in confidence and finally saying, and believing, “I am somebody.”
Sharon was also active on the women’s basketball team. Her team never had a loss until the final championship game in Simpsonville, Ky., against Atterbury Job Corps Center (Ind.). Although they didn’t win the championship, Sharon and her teammates enjoyed the teamwork and excitement.
“Job Corps will take you far. Not only do they offer a high school diploma, but further education and trades that will help you. Each and every experience prepared me for what I’m doing now.”
To gain work experience, Sharon worked in the campus cafeteria. She always loved to cook and realized that was what she truly wanted to do for the rest of her life.
“The ladies in the cafeteria were so nice. Some were a bit older, but they were like mother figures. The love and forgiveness staff gave me while at Job Corps showed me how much they really
cared.”
Job Corps helped with every aspect of her transition, from living on campus to working and living on her own, from choosing an apartment to finding furniture, to starting her first job.
After graduating from Job Corps, Sharon began working for the South Panola School District in Batesville, Miss. She has served as a cafeteria worker for 19 years and recently earned her manager’s license in food service. She also serves as a bus driver for South Panola School District.
“I tell students on my bus that I went to Job Corps. If I notice a kid is struggling to finish school, Idirect them to Job Corps. I would never put Job Corps down. It was great for my life and a refuge for me when I needed it most.”
In her work now, she especially enjoys when Job Corps Culinary Arts students visit and train at her school district. Seeing Job Corps students come through the door takes her back. It has brought her joy and fond memories to teach and mentor students throughout the years.
Last year, Sharon’s basketball coach from Job Corps passed away. She reunited with fellow teammates to mourn the loss of their coach and catch up on life.
“It was just like we were teenagers again, reminiscing on the fun we had and memories we share.”
When looking back, she sees a lot of laughter, joy and great memories.
“Job Corps was one of the most exciting times of my life before being out on my own. It’s a time of my life I will never forget.”
Graduated from Job Corps in: 1989 Employer: South Panola School District, Batesville, Mississippi Hometown: Bay Springs, Mississippi Phone: 662-654-6816 Email: sharonoliver386@gmail.com Submitted by: Lydia Henry Notes:
Source: NUVI
http://www.jobcorpsnews.org/finchhenry/sharon-mclaurin-oliver