From Barriers to Brilliance: Cornelius’s Journey

In December 2023, Cornelius faced a crossroads. At just 17, he was navigating life challenges, academic struggles, and uncertainty about what the future held. School had never been his favorite place, and without clear guidance or direction, he often felt lost. Despite these challenges, he made a courageous decision: he enrolled in WIOA Youth Services at Michigan Works! Southwest (MWSW), taking the first step toward creating a better future for himself.

Cornelius was paired with his Michigan Works! Southwest Career Coach, Katie McCuen, who quickly became a source of guidance and support. One of the first challenges they tackled together was transportation. Without a reliable way to get to work consistently, Cornelius struggled to maintain hours at his part-time job with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kalamazoo. Katie worked with him to create a dependable transportation plan, ensuring he could get to work on time and establish himself as a reliable and valued employee.

As Cornelius gained stability in his daily routine, he began exploring his interests and future career possibilities. Through career coaching sessions and exposure to different opportunities, he discovered a natural passion for hands-on work. Talent tours at Zeigler Motorsports and the Michigan Tools and Trades Expo gave him a firsthand look at careers in the trades, helping him envision a path that felt both meaningful and achievable. With this new clarity, Katie worked with Cornelius and his family to transition him into an alternative learning environment that better aligned with his learning style and personal growth.

With each step forward, Cornelius’ confidence grew. He tackled driver’s training, attending classes at EZ Way Driving School, and earned his permit; a milestone that brought both pride and independence. He also worked closely with his Career Coach to refine his résumé and sharpen his interview skills, preparing for competitive employment. These efforts paid off when he secured a position with Williamson Cleaning Company at $14.00 per hour, a step up from his previous $12.00/hour role at the Boys and Girls Club.

Looking toward the future, Cornelius is preparing for post-secondary education. This fall, he plans to visit the Michigan Career & Technical Institute (MCTI) in Plainwell, MI, exploring programs that align with his growing passion for trades and hands-on work. Through every challenge and success, Cornelius’s Career Coach, Katie, has remained a steady guide, helping him build the skills, confidence, and resilience he needs to succeed.

“My Career Coach has given me so much strength to believe in myself. I was able to make better life choices because of her help,” Cornelius reflected.

Cornelius’ journey is a story of perseverance, growth, and self-discovery. By addressing barriers one step at a time, exploring career pathways, and leaning on the guidance of his Career Coach, he has transformed uncertainty into opportunity. From overcoming transportation challenges to finding a career he is passionate about, Cornelius demonstrates how determination, support, and vision can turn obstacles into a promising future.