Teaching Matters

There’s nothing more that I enjoy than motivational speaking, teaching and consulting. As I ended a recent class of teaching life skills and workforce development to a group in a half-way house, I was approached by a participant who missed class this day. He pulls me aside and begins to explain that he is sorry for missing out on class today but wanted to share something with me. I was all ears. He is sitting on some steps where he glances down briefly before looking back up at me and stating that he missed out on class today because he went to an interview…. and got the job! He continued explaining how he utilized the interviewing skills that were taught in class coupled with responses that we practiced repetitiously. To my surprise he exclaimed “It works!!!”

He went on to explain how the employer believed in giving him another chance and hired him on the spot. I didn’t know much about his criminal history, but he was straightforward in relating to me how BAD it was and that is why he was so surprised. I couldn’t help but hear the cracking in his voice as thanked me again and again and again for how I helped him. As we wrapped up our conversation with celebrating this achievement, he proceeded to tell me how he wanted to cry because he was so happy. To be honest, I wanted to cry with him because I know all too well the struggle of getting your first opportunity of employment after incarceration. It is a blessing and honor to be able to teach others from the first-hand experiences I gained exiting prison. I coin it… Living on Purpose.