Meet Uslla
She’s transforming her life, thanks to your support.
“I had always taken care of my family and other people’s needs before my own. Babysitting my nephew, cooking, cleaning… I was always available for my family.
“I came to Cara’s South Side Campus to join the program in order to keep receiving my food stamps. I decided to stay because I wanted to do more with my life than helping everyone other than myself.
“I joined the August class at the Downtown Campus, and I didn’t know what to expect. I was very shy and reserved. I didn’t like talking to people that I didn’t know.
“That’s why I was terrified the first day when I went to Motivations. The singing and the topics, talking about your feelings in a circle with a spotlight on you… I couldn’t believe that I was going to have to do that! It motivated me to get the daily topic and then practice what I was going to say because I was nervous. The first time I sang my song, I fumbled it at the end and was eager to get out of the circle. But as I kept going into the circle and talking more in class, I opened up.
“Dressing up every day at first made me feel very restricted in my clothing. I’m mostly a jeans and sweatshirt kind of a person, but I got used to it. I didn’t want to be the odd one out and dressing up makes me feel more attractive and confident.
“I have learned a lot at Cara like how to open up and share my feelings. I’m not the only person who has gone through some hard and hurtful stuff. I also learned that a positive attitude will open up so many doors for you. Mr. Jesse is an awesome instructor, and I never felt bored during his lessons. Miss Vicki and Miss Joycee are great too.
“I’m amplifying my voice to show that if I can do it, you can too.
“I wish I could tell myself not to be scared coming into Cara without any experience because this place will help you get the skills and experience you need.
“I am very reliable. As an intern at the front desk, I have never been late. I have a positive attitude and the staff really likes when I say my good mornings at the check-in desk. Whenever people come back from lunch or a break, I always welcome them back.
“I am also very helpful to people. My friend had an interview coming up and needed some coffee to feel comfortable beforehand, so I got him a cup of coffee. I was so glad when he got the job.
“I would like to have a job that involves traveling. I might want to be a flight attendant or work for an airline.”
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