Portland Community College Career Pathways & STEP的动态

This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the women who are making a difference, like Marisa, an inspiring leader and mentor, and Deyone, whose resilience and achievements are a testament to the power of support and perseverance. Keep an eye out for more stories of incredible women coming your way this month! Finding Confidence and Community: Deyone’s Journey with the Portland Community College Career Pathways & STEP ??? When Deyone first walked through the doors of Portland Community College at just 17 years old, she was unsure about what lay ahead. Earning her GED was a significant step ??, but the thought of continuing her education—and reentering the workforce—felt overwhelming. “Going back to school was scary, and going back to work was even scarier,” she recalls. That all changed when she was matched with Marisa, a PCC Career Pathways & STEP coach. Marisa didn’t just help Deyone navigate resources—she truly listened, understood her challenges, and stood by her side every step of the way ????. “If I got denied services, Marisa would just say, ‘That’s okay, we’ll find something else, and we’ll do it together.’”?? Through homelessness, vocational rehabilitation, and the ups and downs of finding support systems, Marisa was a steady presence. “She was kind, even when she knew I wasn’t going to be happy with something. She helped me see where to go next.” ?? One of the biggest turning points came when Deyone returned to school after a winter storm ??. She shared her fears with Marisa, who reassured her and helped her build the confidence she needed to step into the workforce with a degree ??. “She gave me the confidence I was lacking at the time,” Deyone says ??. Beyond academics and career planning, Marisa helped Deyone manage another important role: being a mom. “One of the most important things she helped me with was maintaining being a mom. She gave me the tools to map my goals, get organized, and make things possible.” Whether it was encouragement or practical tools—like structured PDFs to help plan her next steps—Marisa made sure Deyone had what she needed to move forward. Now back in the workforce ??, Deyone credits the program for giving her the foundation she needed. “It was a huge step in the direction I’m going.” ?? Her advice to students considering PCC Career Pathways & STEP??“Just try. If you’re worried about the program, that’s probably the best part of it—because that’s what they do. You have someone on the inside. It was like having a freshman-year buddy in high school to help you get into the community. And it wasn’t just about education—it was so much more.” ?? Deyone’s story is a testament to the power of support, perseverance, and the transformative impact of having someone believe in you ??. We at PCC Career Pathways & STEP are incredibly proud of Deyone—her resilience, her achievements, and all that she will continue to accomplish. We can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next! ????