Student uses Face Book to Find Brother

EmpowerTech understands the importance of technology. From becoming prepared for the workforce to connecting with old friends and family, EmpowerTech stresses the value of being tech-savvy. One of our TRADE students, Linda, recently learned just how valuable it is.
Linda became a student at EmpowerTech in August of 2011 and was quickly introduced to e-mail and Facebook. EmpowerTech helped Linda learn how to communicate effectively over social networks for business and personal uses. This past week, Linda decided to use her knowledge gained at EmpowerTech to search for someone very special to her that she had lost contact with, her very own brother. After losing touch, Linda and her brother had not talked for over 20 years, but Linda had not given up hope. She tried hard to resume contact with him but was at a loss until she used her new skills to search for him on Facebook. Today, Linda came into the classroom, tears streaming down her face from being overwhelmed with happiness. She was overjoyed because she had not only found her brother on Facebook, Linda had also begun messaging him and they were finally able to reconnect again.
After 20 years, Linda was able to relocate her brother after EmpowerTech inspired her to keep in touch using technology. We are so happy to have played a role in helping Linda and her brother reunite, and we wish them the very best. Linda is only one example of someone whose life has been changed as EmpowerTech helps students open doors through the use of technology.

Stairways to Success

I was recently asked to provide a success story about one of the students in the TRADE program. Glancing though the roster of 40 students, however, I could recall no dramatic success stories. Rather, the emerging mental image was of many earnest laborers methodically pursuing their dreams. Surveying the students diligently working at their computer stations and remembering their excitement during the Achievement Celebration last December, I contemplated how far they have come.
Students have entered the TRADE program with widely varying academic and computer skill levels. They arrived hoping they had found a program that would enable them to build computer skills and/or to become more employable. They just needed to be in a program that would be responsive to their individual needs. They discovered that when given time to learn at their own pace they were able to learn how to use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. They were able to use a search engine and communicate through email. The curriculum was challenging and interesting. They were surrounded by supportive instructors.
The following comments, provided by students recently, are typical:
“I enjoy coming and I’m starting to learn something new every time I come. The staff are nice and everybody is nice here.”
“I really like it because I can go in there now and just do it myself. Before, I had to have somebody to help me. It’s helping me. Some of the stuff that I saved I can see on my computer at home…and show it to my mom.”

“The class is wonderful and I love coming here…It really helps me to be a good worker on the computer and to be professional.”

“I like the class. I learn a lot. It would help me when I get a good job because they would know that I know computers a lot and every time I learn new stuff. They are wonderful teachers.”

The TRADE students are like masons building stairways of personal and professional empowerment. The TRADE curriculum, assistive technology, and individualized accommodations are their bricks, trowels, and mortar. Although daily progress is often incremental, over time the results have proven to be quite substantial. Their methodical, hard-earned successes should be acknowledged and celebrated!