Sinigdha's Story
Updated: Aug 17
Before starting the WIOA Learn & Earn program at The Child Center of NY, I had recently immigrated to the U.S. and found myself navigating an unfamiliar education system. As a first-generation student, I didn't have enough guidance or the mentorship I needed to pursue my career goals.
I was introduced to WIOA through my guidance counselor, and I saw it as an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop professional skills, as well as earn college credits, which is what eventually led me to apply.
Although I benefited from all components of WIOA, I would say the internship and college credits had the greatest impact on me. The internship strengthened my communication skills and pushed me beyond my comfort zone, helping me build connections with professionals in different fields. In practical terms, the internship helped me acquire real-world experience and skills, as well as save money for college. In addition, the college credits made a big difference in my education; not only did I earn credits before going to college—which saves money in tuition costs—I also gained valuable insight into what college classes look like.
WIOA shaped me to become a more confident and career-oriented individual. Its financial literacy workshop helped me become more financially literate; the college classwork introduced me to college-level classes; and the internships helped me to make more informed decisions about my future career through its valuable hands-on experience.
I'll be attending Hunter College on the pre-med track this fall with the goal of getting into a medical school and pursuing a career as a physician.
If someone had asked me before WIOA which career field I wanted to choose, I might have answered, “Still figuring it out.” But WIOA really helped me with career exploration, leading me to choose the career field in which I really want to work in the future.
