Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps Center Intern Juanita Washington discusses layout & composing of THE VOICE Newspaper with Art Director Jeff Potter. Juanita says the Job Corps has changed her way of thinking and changed her life. (Photo by Brad)
Juanita Washington is from Orlando, Florida. Currently, she is serving a Work Based Learning internship in Graphic Design at THE VOICE Newspapers to fulfill her graduation requirement for the Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps Center where she has been attending since July 24, 2012. She says, “I came to the Job Corps because I wanted to become a better person, get off the sofa, and get on my feet independently. To do this, I knew I had to go back to school,” Juanita admits.
“At the age of 17, in my last year, I dropped out of high school. I guess I thought school wasn’t for me, but I was wrong. I can admit that now,” she says. “I found out about this trade program that helps you get your diploma and I jumped to take advantage of it. I always knew I wanted to become an artist. My uncle, dad, and bother Anthony are all artists.
“I decided to study Graphic Design, but the course is only offered at one Job Corps Center in the country – Paul Simon Job Corps Center in Chicago.” Juanita explains, “I came here and have earned my high school diploma on Center in three months. I joined a lot of clubs to keep me busy and focused on my goals. I ran for Vice President of the campus and won with 108 out of 154 votes cast.”
Juanita says that the Job Corps has been a blessing for her because a lot of people don’t get a second chance. “I did, and I have learned that if you change the way you think, it will change your life. I can now say that I have become employable and I know, with a little more hard work and education, I will be successful!”
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