Eshika's Story

A little about me: I am a first-generation South Asian student and the eldest daughter in my family. This fall, I will be attending NYU to major in childhood education and special education.

My journey toward this goal was not always straightforward. Before I became a participant in The Child Center’s WIOA Learn & Earn Program, I often felt like I was carefully planning my future but lacked the resources and opportunities needed to get there. As the eldest daughter in a South Asian family, I always felt a responsibility to prepare myself for success and make the most of every opportunity. However, one of my biggest barriers was not having access to the same networks, guidance, and resources that many of my peers had.

I remember feeling behind because I did not have internships, jobs, or a strong resume built up yet. I also struggled with the feeling that I did not have enough trusted adults who had the time to invest in my future, understand my background, and guide me through the process. Not only did it feel discouraging, but it also lowered my self-esteem as I compared myself to others and started to believe that the universe simply was not on my side.

Until one random day during fifth period, I discovered WIOA after overhearing two students discreetly talking about the program. I immediately perked up, and I felt a sudden boost of excitement that fueled me to become a go-getter and seize this opportunity. I went to the office, submitted my application, and made sure everything was completed efficiently. The next day, I was officially enrolled, and my best friend and I were lucky enough to receive the last two available spots.

This experience taught me that opportunities can appear unexpectedly, but you have to be willing to recognize them and take action. Sometimes, all it takes is one decision, even if it is sudden or impulsive, to create a life-changing opportunity.

WIOA has helped me immensely throughout my junior and senior years in ways I never expected. One of the most significant benefits of participating in the program was the opportunity to gain real-world work experience through guaranteed job placements during both the spring and summer. There were many different opportunities available, allowing students to explore careers in fields such as retail, health care, education, and child care.

For instance, working alongside the program office was a valuable experience that taught me the importance of punctuality, structure, and strong communication. I learned the ins and outs of what it takes to operate an office, whether that involved delegating tasks, strategically prioritizing responsibilities, or budgeting and accommodating the different needs of the diverse student body the program serves. These skills have given me a deeper understanding of organization, leadership, and accessibility, which will continue to benefit me in the future as I work toward my goal of one day opening my own child care business.

Another meaningful part of WIOA was having an office located directly in my school. This made support easily accessible and created a welcoming environment where students knew they had people they could turn to. The staff became trusted mentors who were always willing to listen, provide guidance, and encourage us.

I remember having conversations with staff members about my educational goals and even everyday challenges that may have seemed small, but those moments made a difference. Their support reminded me that I was not alone and motivated me to continue working toward my goals.

The workshops held every Monday and Wednesday were also one of the most critical parts of the program. We learned practical skills such as resume building, interview preparation, professional communication, teamwork, workplace expectations, and financial literacy topics like banking, credit, and budgeting.

As a first-generation college student, these workshops were especially meaningful because they helped bridge gaps in knowledge and gave me the confidence to navigate opportunities that once felt unfamiliar. WIOA also created memorable experiences through educational field trips. Visiting SUNY colleges and exploring different campuses helped make higher education feel more realistic and achievable.

Overall, WIOA has been one of the most impactful programs I have participated in. It provided me with employment opportunities, career preparation, mentorship, and a support system that helped me grow both personally and professionally.

My journey with WIOA showed me that one opportunity can open countless doors. To anyone looking for their next step: Keep your eyes and ears open, take chances when they appear, and never underestimate the power of one decision to change your life.