My Story: Tierra Scott

I had started hanging with the wrong crowds and my mother saw that it was only going to lead me to a life failure. She sat me down, talked to me and told me I need to get myself together and really figure out what I want my life to be. I didn’t know what I really wanted to do, but I figured I needed to do something.

I had heard about Goodwill Industries Serving Eastern Nebraska and Southwest Iowa’s  Partnership program being able to assist people 16-21 years old on the radio so I called, and they set me up to come in.

When I first came to Goodwill, I was unemployed. My case manger Kristin and other staff members stayed on me making sure I was doing what I needed to do; it kind of felt like having an extended family. Kristin took the time to get to know me and what I liked to figure out what areas I would be successful in.

I completed the program in 2008 and was excited since I had successfully completed training, work experience, and found permanent employment. I felt my life was going in the right direction and had stayed in contact with Kristin. I continued to go see her every so often but about six months later I found myself unemployed and felt like I was back to square one. I collected unemployment, but it was running out. I remembered my friend Kristin.

She stated that Goodwill had an opening, and she felt I would be great for the position. That same day, I received a call stating that they were still looking for people, and that I needed to go online as soon as possible to complete the application. So I did just that:  I applied, interviewed and was offered the job within a week.

That moment right there was what officially changed my life. In May 2009, I became a worksite supervisor for the Goodwill’s Summer Youth Program. I knew it was temporary but that didn’t matter. Before the program ended, I was approached by my manager and she suggested that I apply for another position that was open at Goodwill. Even though it was temporary also, I applied and got it.

In December 2009, I officially became a permanent Goodwill employee, and I wouldn’t change anything. I’m glad I took those two temporary positions – it gave me the chance to prove myself and show what I can do. I have gained a lot of skills and have taken advantage of many training opportunities. I have developed a wonderful extended family, and I have become a successful professional.