Student Stories

Lila Santos, Age 24
Internship: PriceWaterhouse Coopers
Throughout my life I've dealt with many trials and tribulations. While each experience has helped me to become a better person, I've also had to deal with many hardships that most people have not. I am a single parent. My son has shown me the reality of unconditional love and trust. His life depends on my success. Although I haven't completed my journey over the mountain, I can certainly say that I'm halfway there. Before coming to NPower's ITWorks program I had a sense of "No More Chances". I wanted to be a role model for my son and didn't know where or how to begin. ITWorks was my last hope. NPower accepted me into IT Works and there began my "Alice in Wonderland" experience. IT Works offered me an opportunity to learn a skill along with a network of contacts which in turn has opened up other smaller opportunities for success. For that I am extremely grateful. Coming in as a person with little knowledge of configuring software or hardware, I now find myself wanting to learn more and more about technology. ITWorks gave me hope when I thought there were no more chances. With the help of Manuel Portillo, Ebony Taylor, Patrick Callihan and Anthony Pisapia, I now know that I can be a role model for my son and not just "mom, the pizza girl." From this experience I'm taking with me not only a new profession, but an extended family.

Solenny Herrera, Age 24
Internship: Reed Technology
I grew up both in Santiago, Dominican Republic, and Philadelphia. From early on, I believe that I can learn and grow from every experience in life, good or bad. I have a very strong set of values which I apply in my daily life. I am a very passionate, persistent and responsible person. I grew up under difficult circumstances. My father did not believe in women being educated outside the home. Through much resistance and lack of support, I was able to attend school which eventually led me to apply to the ITWorks program. Now that I had the opportunity to participate in the ITWorks program at NPower, I have greater understanding of the impact technology has on people and society. The ITWorks program has helped me to reflect what my professional goals are in the future and how I can help other people and organizations to become more efficient by using computer technology.

Stefaun Artis, Age 23
Internship: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
The three most important things you should know about me are that I am a very reliable person, very ambitious about whatever I pursue and will go above and beyond the call of duty. To me, this opportunity has meant a fresh start in life after struggling to find my way after graduating from Dobbins-Randolph AVTS High School.
Throughout my childhood, I experienced much hardship from not having my father present. While watching my mom raising our family, I made a promise to myself: to do better for myself and help her. By completing the ITWorks program, I know I will have more career opportunities in the IT field.

Sidney Baptiste, Age 21
Internship: NPower PA
I graduated from Hope Charter High School and received several awards and recognition for my writing skills. The ITWorks Program at NPower was an opportunity to better myself and prepare for the real world; the job market and a technology career. I came into the program knowing only how to browse the Web, and how to power up and shutdown a computer. Now, I am leaving knowing the ins and outs of computer maintenance, Windows 7 features and configuration, and a new understanding about the need of computers in everyday life. To me, ITWorks means a better future.

Dominique Beard, Age 18
Internship: Family Practice & Counseling Network
Just graduating from Neumann Goretti High School, I'mm now a young man trying to conquer the world of IT. Only being eightteen years old still living in West Philly im struggling to keep my head in the books. I also have family and friends that supports me and are willing to help me aslong as I am putting in the effort. The state of mind that have been set within my head is " if you are not ready for success, success would say no", and im thirsty for it. Starting to find out that if something is not challenging its not really worth perusing it, nothing in life is just given to you, you MUST strive for it. The struggle process is sometimes the longest and I understand that and still being young sometimes I give up and try another path which the IT work program was my first real struggle in life, and im glad they challenged me. Some days I woke and I would ask myself why am I even going in today even though it was something I wanted to do, I would get fustrated and act like that was not where I wanted to be because it got difficult , but when the work was all easy I was always excited. The NPower Crew are wonderful they push you to do your best and all together the whole program and they help . The Things that I have learned in this program I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The Program has taught me interview skills, networking skills, the does and don'ts of the work place. The program was a wonderful experience and I wish the bestest luck to the next class

Eric Harper Jr., Age 24
Internship: NPower PA
Despite having a Cerebral Palsy, a physical disability, I have been blessed to been brought up in a Christian family that values determination, perseverance, and success. Having to face many obstacles throughout my life, I was always determined to never let a difficult situation become a barrier. After, I successfully graduated from Community College of Philadelphia and was awarded with my associate's degree in applied science, I learned about a new ITWorks program being offered by NPower. The ITWorks program taught me about the Microsoft operating system. I am looking forward to successfully passing the exam and becoming MCTS certified. Now that my tenure with NPower is almost coming to an end, I can say with confidence that I have learned so much about how IT works as well as job interviewing skills and on the job etiquette.

Jose Herrera, Age 24
Internship: IDAAY
I am from the Dominican Republic and have been living in Philadelphia for the past 10 years. I am married without children and I am a very hard working person. For me, giving up is not an option. The most important thing people should know about me is that I am familiar with technology. The ITWorks program has been an opportunity to empower myself to begin a career. I am planning to become an independent self-employed business person that will help other people and organizations with their technology needs.

Gary Maxwell Jr., Age 22
Internship: Brandywine Realty Trust
I am the type of person that will work as hard as I can to achieve my goals whatever they may be. I am quite but I am always focused on the things I need to do. As I was growing up, I was looked upon as a kid that would never do anything with his life, but I took that and flipped it around. Months before I graduated from high school I had no idea what I would do, until the opportunity came up to attend a one year college. Going to college was big challenge for me. Even though I had some struggles, giving up was not an option. After graduating, I was left with nothing to do. I had no job or income but with my family support, I applied to the ITWorks Program. Being in the ITWorks program at NPower has greatly helped me both personally and professionally. I am taking my life more seriously by working harder to apply my IT training. After completing the ITWorks program, I hope to help with my family's business, which provides counseling to people in need.

Desmond Patterson, Age 19
Internship: Maternity Care Coalition
One thing I would like people to know about me is that I am a good listener, open to new experiences and very responsible. From this experience, I learned that ITWorks is not just about technology but incorporates teaching life skills throughout the program. I am very grateful to be a part of ITWorks program at NPower.

Khalid Cummings, Age 22
Internship: Episcopal Community Services
I am a hard working, strong, self - motivated individual who has a strong will to succeed in anything that I do or am directed to do. My life is centered on my continuing efforts to love God as well as my girlfriend who I hope will one day become my wife. The experience with the ITWorks program has been a good one and has given me many opportunities. Mr. Manuel has been a great aid in assisting us as much as possible. For example we learned about the various pieces of the motherboard as well as various configuration procedures. Also, incorporated into our ITWorks curriculum were team projects. We worked with partners to gather information to present to the class on IT topics. Not only did the experience help our IT knowledge but sharpened our public speaking skills. In conclusion I would like to thank the NPower staff for the opportunity to participate in the ITWorks program.