The Program Specialist Perspective

Rebecca, a Texas Connects Coalition trainer at our Eastside University Village Community Learning Center (ESUVCLC), brought us a story. Rebecca’s center is located in one of Houston’s most under-resourced neighborhoods, but ESUVCLC offers accredited courses for free. Meet one of her students, Caleph:

“Caleph Lane had a stroke several years ago. He came into my Basic Computer class uncertain as to whether he would be successful in retaining the lessons. However, he informed the class he was determined to learn about computers so he could obtain employment.

“About a month into our semester, Lane asked me to help him create a resume. Although we had not yet started Microsoft Word (we were barely learning how to use the Internet), I decided to assist him with creating a resume. I led him through Word, showed him how to create a template and within a 20 minute one-on-one lesson, Mr. Lane was creating his own resume. It took him a few days to complete the process due to typing limitations he has with his right hand.

“Nevertheless, once his resume was done he was ready to find a job. We worked together to find and apply for jobs online, while his natural endurance led him to apply for several jobs on his own.

“The week of May 4^th, Mr. Lane went to his first interview for a customer service position with an electric company. He was dressed professionally, had a great resume, and the drive to succeed. Unfortunately, he was told to apply again at a later date, that there were no full-time jobs available. When Mr. Lane shared this information with me, we began to create a cover letter highlighting his skills and thanking the hiring manager for the opportunity to interview with her.

“The next day he was called back in for a second interview and offered a part-time job.

“Mr. Lane enrolled at ESUVCLC with no computer skills, recovering from a life changing stroke, and uncertain about his success at ESUVCLC. He is now one of my most successful students, still eager to learn more and employed part time. I would say Mr. Lane has definitely reached his short term goal of learning computers and obtaining employment.

“Mr. Lane will be one of our many students at the Eastside University Village Community Learning Center Graduation Ceremony, held on May 17, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.”

"Individuals love these classes, and we're seeing a lot of quick progress."

“I work on all kinds of things, but never took a computer class until now.”

“I was computer illiterate—never been exposed,” says Tim, a Pecan park native dressed in slacks and a tie. Tim’s illiteracy doesn’t mean he’s never worked with a computer—just not in the way you’d think. Back when computer servers required a full room, he earned an income by taking apart computers for Boeing, and would make clocks and miniature trains out of motherboards. In fact, Tim constantly creates as a skillful mechanic, painter and more. It’s this love of handiwork that makes computers fun for him, “…because I’m learning to how boost my creativity. I can make anything.”

In sixth grade, Guillermo began recording parody videos with his friends. “It was just for fun,” he explains. “When we started getting better, we started getting more serious.”

Guillermo has taken computer courses at Milby High School, located in Houston’s Pecan Park neighborhood. However, these classes focused on computer basics. “I really wanted to learn other programs,” Guillermo says.