Latonya Thomas is a U.S. Army veteran currently enrolled in Goodwill’s Operation: GoodJobs program. Watch Latonya and other veterans in the program share their stories on our Homefront Chats YouTube Channel.
Leaving the military, the only plans that I had for myself was to get my commercial driver’s license (CDL) and drive trucks around the country. That did not happen, so I was forced to go out into the workforce and find work elsewhere.
I thought that because I’m a veteran and have integrity, honesty, a good work ethic and the ability to learn quickly, that employers would be receptive to hiring me. But I got out of the military at a time when the economy was melting down and people were losing their jobs. Not only did I have to compete with other veterans, but I also had to compete with civilians who had years of experience and possible had better or more skills than I had.
I had reached a plateau in my life. My car broke down, and I had to drop out of school. I lost my living space, I lost my car, and then I lost the funds I would invest in my own business. That situation led me to a veterans’ representative that introduced me to the Goodwill Industries of Houston.
Since I’ve been at Goodwill Industries of Houston, I’ve been focusing on learning about different careers, as well as how to deal with conflict in the workforce such as drama and different attitudes in the workforce.
I have a work counselor who is excellent at keeping me up to date with new veteran opportunities that are going to be beneficial for me to reach success. I think that Goodwill’s going to be very beneficial in helping me reach my educational and career goals.
View Latonya’s video updates on her progress by checking out the video playlist below.
