When Lance first came to Hopeworks, he admits that he was very reserved, shy and “only did what he had to”. However, He quickly realized how important it was to communicate with others. He began doing things outside of his comfort zone, including giving tours, and quickly became known for his charismatic personality. Lance said that in the beginning he was very nervous but he remained persistent. He is now an intern in the web development team, and having learned web design languages such as HTML, CSS, and Javascript in the training program, he is able to apply these to become a full-fledged web developer. He also utilizes the skills he learned in Photoshop, which assists him in becoming a better graphic designer.
Many youth come to Hopeworks seeking a change in their lives and when asked what advice he would give youth hoping to become successful at Hopeworks, Lance says it would be to STAY PERSISTENT and to STAY POSITIVE. He says, “Take advantage of when guests like CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business owners come to visit. Ask them questions, pick their brains, and get insight from them because they were once in your shoes. Use the methods they were taught to propel them to the top and apply those methods to your own journey.”
In the future, Lance’s goals are to earn more internships around the city and to eventually get into the game development industry. Ultimately, he wants to own his very own game design studio with a huge team of dedicated programmers and designers to create something that has never been created before. Lance says his favorite part of being at Hopeworks is the genuinely positive atmosphere. “Everyone wants us to succeed and the positive support of the entire family at Hopeworks is something that I truly admire.”
Several years ago, I was searching for restaurant jobs online with no clear direction, when a friend recommended Hopeworks. This nonprofit social enterprise is dedicated to training young adults in the technology fields that will propel them into living-wage careers. Before learning more about the Hopeworks program, I was skeptical that I would achieve success. […]
Bree can take time to celebrate now, but her journey to success wasn’t always smooth sailing. Despite a long history of healthcare experience, job opportunities dried up, leaving her feeling lost. But Bree was determined to chart a new course, and refused to let setbacks define her. With unwavering dedication and a willingness to ask […]
The work that we do here is centered around elevating the professional and personal lives of our young professionals, breaking the cycle of poverty, and placing amazing young adults in living wage permanent jobs! In the midst of doing that work, we are often recognized by publications, media, and other organizations. We truly appreciate any […]
