april 3, 2009
April 3, 2009
Prompt 1:
600 people applied for a position in this training program. You are one of 25. Why do you think you got into the program?
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Prompt 1:
600 people applied for a position in this training program. You are one of 25. Why do you think you got into the program?
There were 600 people who took the basic comprehension test to get into this program. Of that initial 600, about 125 or so passed it and were interviewed. To the 37 of them who made it into the “Week of Endurance,” and only 22 made it past the urinalysis given that week. And one had to leave due to personal reasons. That puts the odds at 600:21. I am one of the 21. Recently the question was posed of why do I think I got into this program. Initially I didn’t have an answer, and to be honest I still struggle to answer the question. But I know what I’ve done to get to this point, to be allowed to be a part of this.
Recently I was in an accident in which I was bitten by a dog on several spots on my body. The most severe of which was a bite to my left ear causing it to be nearly detached. After the initial shock had worn off, I was close to breaking. It took me almost a month before I would even look at. Fortunately I have people around me that help to build me back up. During the time spent doing that I managed to get some seasonal work. It just so happen not so long after that I heard about this program.
This seemed like a great opportunity to fully put myself back together.. The possibility of reinventing myself even. As I learned about what the program offered, I began to think about the things I saw around me that could be improved. Those things, much like myself, need someone to see the potential in them that has been lost or somehow unfulfilled. So I took the opportunity handed me, took the test, went to my interview, and didn’t worry about what happened next. As it turned out the “Week of Endurance” was only a taste of what I was about to experience. Consequently I’m on this journey to do something amazing with my life. I’m not full sure what it is just yet, but I’m sure it’ll be something worth doing. So to answer the question given to me, I got into the program to help. Help what? Not only myself, but my city and all those who reside in it.
Opportunity Meets Preparation
Approximately six hundred individuals applied to be accepted into the Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice, (DWEJ) Green Jobs Program. Of that number, one hundred and thirty successfully completed the testing and interview process. Thirty seven made it to the week of endurance (first week), with only twenty-five spaces available, twenty-two made it. One among that number is me. How did I manage to become one of the fortunate few?
Sometime back I made a promise to myself that I would be the best at whatever I decided to apply myself to. On the day of testing we were given an overview of the programs aims and purpose, along with literature on DWEJ and its other programs. After being informed that I had passed the test and given an appointment for an interview, I set my mind to completion.
I prepared by focusing my mind on success; I visualized myself in the program. I have always been told that “if you can see it, you can achieve it “I saw it. And of course I prayed. To say I was excited would be an understatement. I know this is a new beginning, not just for me personally, but I feel like with this knowledge I can make a difference. The thought of be able to helping in my community is sometimes overwhelming. This program exist inside the city of Detroit, for the people who live in this city, it’s a ray of hope.
Having succeeded in getting into this program has increased my self confidence, and it is a healing for my self-esteem. To be on the ground floor of a blossoming industry is in creditable. When I look ahead, I see so many possibilities. Opportunities to advocate for the community I live in, to become an entrepreneur, to network, the possibilities seem endless.
I pray to not just complete the program, but to show my sincere appreciation for guidance on such a life changing path, I will give my best, work to exemplify the examples set for me, by all of the generous staff at DWEJ.
Let me first say, that all things are in Divine order. God is the reason I’m here. I believe that he has a calling on
my life, for me to be a better person first and to help others achieve there greatness. I may not be the vessel
that will change the world, but i will have the influence on the person that will. so i have to arm myself with the
tools to prepair myself to lead or teach the person or persons that will chance the world. i don’t profess to be
the smartest, but i have gifts coupled with intelligents and a hunger to achieve and soak up information like a
sponge. My children are my inspiration and the reason I’m trying to play a large part in the preservation of
Mother earth. i want them to have a chance to see the world and the beauti without being tainted with global
warming and pollution. my vision is clear, and with God as the captain of this vessel, its evident why I’m here in
dwej……..
There were 600 people who took the test to get into this program.One hundred and thirty seven of us passed the test and was called for an interview. Out of that, 37 of us were called for the week of endurance. After that week, only 22 out of the 37 were allowed to join the program.I believe I was chosen it because I was honest and the interviewer saw that in me. Honesty is a great characteristic and if you are a honest person people will see it.
I also believe another reason I was chosen was because during the week of endurance, I was proven to be a hard worker.I think the instructors saw that in me and of course that’s what all employers are looking for in a potential employee. I think I did a great job during the week of endurance and I tried to show what a great dedicated person I am. Obviously I succeeded and that’s why I`m here today.
I am honored and very grateful to have been accepted into this program..I feel that I am one of the chosen few, and I am expected to excel in all aspects of the program. I am up for the challenge and lucky to be here.
Why do I think that I made into for this program in this training program?
One can only speculate, as to why the D.W.E.J. staff chose anyone to take part in this program. However, I believe that my acceptance into this program was certainly a part of Allah’s divine plan for me. A belief that is only further affirmed by the fact that over 600 people applied for this training, of which only 137 were able to pass the test, only 37 were selected after the interviewing process, and a mere 22 made it pass the week of endurance. I now sit in a class of 21 trainees, which means I have overcome 600:21 odds, and at least 579 people did not make it. For me, these statistics have profound significance, and fill me with much pride, self adulation, and gratitude. I made it because I possessed an immeasurable desire to become a part of this movement. A movement that would empower me with the knowledge to do many new and important things, which in-turn will allow me to better provide for my family, and do something positive for my community. I also believe that I made it, because I was able to successfully reflect these feelings to Mr. Paul and Ms. Carter on the day of my interview. I believe that my prior achievements spoke volumes of my mental fortitude, and determination, which are both traits needed to successfully complete this training. D.W.E.J. offers the opportunity to learn and establish oneself in the industry that has been deemed the wave of the future. I watched the concept of going green, and green jobs take resonance in the campaigns of almost every politician during this past election year, and I could not help but develop a sense of auspicious curiosity about the environmental industry. This industry has been one of the major focuses of every politician in Lansing, on up to the President of the United States, Barack Obama. DWEJ somehow manages to provide the opportunity to take part in this without excluding individuals, such as myself, with convictions on their records. This program puts us, the most improbable of individuals, in the driver’s seat of this unstoppable vehicle.
From the day I was accepted, up onto the present, I have been extremely grateful for the time, money and resources, poured into helping me succeed. This is a precious opportunity that D.W.E.J. has extended to us, and in accordance, I will do everything in my power to be the best representation of what this program produces. I am in this program because I undoubtedly needed it, and Allah saw me fit to receive this blessing. I owe it to myself, my family, and all those who will come behind me, to finish what I started.
There were a series of events that lead to myself being selected into the Detroit Workers for Environmental Justice program. Passing the comprehension test was the first step that lead to an interview. Before the interview I prepared my self by thinking of questions I might be asked in the interview. During the interview I was able to articulate my character, future goals, and my past achievements. I answered the questions asked by the staff in a confident manner. Overall, it was the wisdom of the staff that made the final decision to select me.
Thank You!!
Vincent Beavers
My whole life other people have saw potential in me even when I didn’t see it in myself. I began to realize my own potential in while in prison and seeing things manifest from my mind to paper that left my own self in awe. Oftentimes people say they don’t care what others think of them, I find that to be false. What others think of you plays a role in self-esteem. I finally saw what others saw and began to live it out. I recognize my own potential and I think I display a sense of confidence in the way that I speak.
DWEJ saw that potential in me. I believe they recognized the issues that my past present as I begin to further myself on my journey. I feel like I was chosen based upon my ability to rebuild myself and my attitude and the zeal and energy I have to mobilize my thoughts to action. However, some mistakes in my past have made things more difficult for me. This opportunity was given to me because I demonstrate the essential qualities needed to succeed, but the fair chance I need is not always there. I appreciate and I’m honored to have the pleasure of saying I learned about environmental justice from DWEJ The businesses and opportunities I will be able to provide will be proof that the training I receive is beneficial to not just me, but our community.
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I believe that I was accepted into the program because of my motivation to succeed and my drive for hard work. With the will to accept the knowledge that D.W.E.J offers. This information is a value to me, not only because I have a very close relative with mesothelioma, but my wanting to rid our would of anything hazardous to our health.
I really did not know how bad our environment has been infected. I now know how we have been living with so mean types of toxic waste, I want to accept the responsibility of taking part in the clean up. That would make the planet better for my children and grandchildren.
Why I Think I Got Chose For The Program
That’s a big question. That’s something that I ask myself from day one.
What made [DWEJ]pick me a guy with 4felonies ,just coming home from
prison,over other qualified men and women with clean records. All I can
think of is it must have been my interview with Mrs.Dantas and MS.Patton
during my interview Mrs.Dantas ask me something that no one have ever ask
me ,and that was [WHAT DO I WANT OUT OF LIFE.]
The reason I feel I was chose they seen something in me that I did’nt see in myself
And peoples is ready for a change .And after the interview I never wanted to accomplish anything more in my life. And after the program Will set out to be the successful person that [DWEJ]train me to be .THIS IS WHY I THINK I WAS CHOSEN.
First of all I like to say thanks for giving a second chance. I Felt I was chosen because my ability to comprehend reading material that I read. Also how my demeanor and how I Carrier my self around my peers. Being able to perform and work with others as a team. I believe the interviewers felt by talking to me that I would be able to perform the jobs that Haze-mate has to offer. Di spite my pass life mistakes in other careers. Being 42 years old and once working For the United States Postal Service for 13 years and U.S.NAVY for 12 years,Would bring more experience to the class room and too let the younger class mates see that it’s never to late to start over again and try to get it right the first time. I guess this is why you all chose me.
When asked the question as to why I thought I was one of the fortunate ones to have been blessed to be accepted into this program, that question was a no brainer for me, because the operative word was that I was BLESSED! I truly believe that everything happens in divine order, and that God has truly ordered each of my steps in the process of being chosen. From the time I found out about this program, I put everything on hold in order to be in position at the appointed time. When others thought I should not have placed so much emphasis on being accepted, I knew in my heart that I was destined to be here. So much so, that I chomped at the bit (like a horse), waiting on my opportunity to sell myself and my commitment to whatever was required at my interview. I vowed that when given the chance, I would place all my cards on the table and be as transparent as humanly possible, ensuring that my sincerity and eagerness was undoubtedly apparent. Obviously, my interview ended up being the catalyst in conjunction with God’s divine intervention that got me over the hump. Amazingly, since being in this program, I’ve come to learn that unlike everyone and everything else that held preconceived notions about my character and integrity, based on my past history, the people here at DWEJ didn’t care about my PREFIX, but were more concerned about my SUFFIX, meaning those things I’ve added to my negative past, rather than my past itself. I’ve been made to feel special, based on my ability to utilize the platform given to highlight my strengths instead of my perceived weaknesses. For that reason, I commend everyone on staff, and wanted you to know that when I came to my own, they recieved me not, but because you have, I consider you all special, so please give yourselves a standing ovation for allowing those everyone thought unworthy to shine! Praise His Holy Name…..Hallelujah!!!!!!
This seems an excellent all around program.
For those of us who can not get into the program, is there anyway for us to learn and help too??