When Wendy Chen arrived in the United States from China, she realized not knowing English was going to be a challenge for her. She wanted her chance at the American dream and knew that learning English and getting an education were necessary to do so. After being unable to gain employment for a while due to the language barrier, Wendy started looking into options that could help her on all fronts.
When Wendy discovered the Treasure Island Job Corps Center in California, she also discovered a fresh start in America. Wendy was “excited to join” the program knowing she would have shelter, food and education, which she needed at the time. The center offered “English as a Second Language” classes, and she learned how to write and speak English professionally and colloquially. Center staff and instructors made an impact on Wendy, and she said they were “very nice and funny” while supporting her every step of the way.
Once she mastered her English classes, Wendy went on to earn her high school diploma and joined the Security and Protective Services training area after discovering she enjoyed the discipline that came along with the industry. Little did she know that discipline would lead her to her next chapter—the Navy. While taking classes at the nearby community college, she stumbled upon the opportunity to join the United States Navy.
Finding the Navy ended up being the perfect next step for Wendy. She has been able to utilize 
all the skills she learned at Job Corps and in the Security and Protective Services training area in her military career. When she first expressed interest in enlisting, her friends doubted her because she is short and petite. She was told she was “not enough” for the role; but despite the objections, she moved forward. Wendy has now been in the Navy for 10 years and “truly loves this country and wants to continue doing her service.” Her special duty is working as a recruiter, and her main job is an electrician for the Naval forces.
Wendy says Job Corps taught her to be motivated, and she carries that motivation with her to this day. One of her instructors used to tell her to “keep pushing herself and don’t give up,” and he even wrote her a letter while she was in boot camp reminding her of that. Wendy made cherished friendships at Job Corps among the students and staff and keeps in touch with many of them.
Wendy’s story is one of inspiration and perseverance. Job Corps enabled her to achieve her goals in life, and she sought out her dreams, even when it wasn’t easy. Her sister also attended the Treasure Island Job Corps Center and went on to graduate from UC Berkeley with a Ph.D. in biochemistry. After finding the support they needed at Job Corps, the Chen family was clearly destined for great things.