NORWICH – Self awareness, goal setting and building a better future are just some of the topics covered throughout the Leading Edge program held at Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES six times a year.
Matt Asma, program instructor, said this is his second class since his hiring in January, and already he feels he has helped individuals strive toward their goals.
The class is comprised of individuals who are looking for work, wanting to change career paths or people who simply need assistance learning the skills to succeed in the job market. “Each four-week course is like having a job with 100 percent attendance anticipated and students having class from 9 to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday,” said Asma.
Fifteen individuals graduated the course Friday with a special ceremony including a guest speaker, gifts of appreciation and certificates of completion.
After welcoming guests and graduates, guest speaker Gary Waffle from CDO Workforce spoke of life’s setbacks and how individuals have to work past disappointments and strive on, to reach their goals in life.
“Success will not happen unless you think positive and believe in yourself,” he said.
Two speakers spoke of their experiences of being involved in the class. Stephanie Lockwood and Cathy Calhoon talked about learning methods, team building exercises, attending the job fair, getting a “new look” in the cosmetology classroom and overall how the course helped them feel better about themselves and be positive about entering the workforce.
“We are walking out of here with more knowledge than we had when we entered through the doors,” said Lockwood. Following the student speeches, the instructor was given flowers and a gift card to a local store as a thank you from all of the students.
In addition to building self confidence, students received 40 hours of training on the computer, built a resume and a portfolio package. “We want them to sell themselves to the job market,” said Asma.
Throughout the four weeks of working with the students full-time, Asma said he was aware that all of the students were different, therefore, he gave each of them a different token that they can look back on and keep striving for their goals.
Some of the gifts reflected closely the goals the students are working towards, including enrolling in college, getting a car, opening a business or even becoming a marine biologist.
The dedication of the students, Asma said, was one of the positive aspects of the course, saying some students would walk two miles to catch a bus every day in order to make it to class and be on time.
Graduates included, Vicki Barnes, Lance Beckwith, Curtiss Bush Jr., Charles Cahill, Cathy Calhoon, Christopher Cook, Stacey Dibble, Tara Harshbarger, Rodney MacLaurey Sr., James Moon, Victor Pier Jr., Daniel Sabines, Diana Sawka and Leon Sedore.
For more information about the program call program coordinator Linda K. Thomas at 335-1303.