Student Success Story: Brendon

12/29/2023

We are so proud of the accomplishments that all our students have achieved since starting the JOG program. Brendon is one of the students who graduated in our July 2023 graduation as a part of our GED program, and we are so proud of his journey with JOG. From being wary of another program that just won’t work for him, to becoming a high school graduate, Brendon has made tremendous strides.

Brendon was approached to talk to the Department of Labor about his story with JOG and was very excited to tell his story. He was asked a variety of questions from what he likes about the program, to what he was expecting, and what he is doing now. He explained that when he initially joined that he “thought it was going to be just another program.” He also expressed that he was concerned that JOG would be “just another school that won’t work for me.” Brendon was very excited to mention that not only was that not the case, but he was able to find a close mentor to help him along with his education in his Career Specialist, Monique Jones.

Monique was able to meet Brendon where he is and have had many heart-to-heart conversations. She helped him build up his confidence and skillset through mentorship, soft skills training, and career guidance. He said that it was nice to find a person who was proud of him and felt inspired. With her help, Brendon was able to overcome anxiety he felt from stresses at home and the future. Through Monique building a relationship with Brendon’s mother, he had been provided a support system that helped him feel more inspired to finish his high school education and ultimately achieve his GED in July of 2023.

We are so proud of how far Brendon has come and his newfound confidence through JOG. Being able to look back at where he started and where he is now is something he can look at forever to show that he can overcome the odds and achieve what he sets his mind to. We wish Brendon luck in all his future endeavors!