Strengthening Lifelong Skills: Edliz’s Story

A high school student with tons of creativity, Edliz was referred to employU in October of 2021. Along with drawing landscapes and characters, she enjoys studying science, biology, and botany. Looking to increase her workforce experience before graduating high school, Edliz participated in two on-the-job trainings (OJTs). After completing her first OJT with Once Upon a Child, Edliz and her job coach, Kyra, thought trying a different work environment would be beneficial in gaining varied work experience. 

Edliz has expressed that she enjoys working with others. Kyra also noticed that she is very cooperative and does well in a team setting. So, Kyra set Edliz up with an OJT at Equine Rescue Foundation in Palm City. Here, Edliz was paired with some volunteers to learn how to complete her job duties for this Work-Based Learning Experience (WBLE). This setting gave Edliz the space to be able to practice self-advocacy in a welcoming environment. Though she was quiet at first, Edliz quickly became more outgoing as her confidence soared. The volunteers complimented her on her work ethic as she learned how to maintain pasture care, sweep the barn, clean horse stalls, and water the horse troughs.  

Not only did Edliz discover that she enjoys maintaining and taking care of a horse facility, she also has continued to strengthen soft skills that she will use throughout her life, no matter what field of work she chooses for herself. After graduating high school, Edliz plans to attend college for coding and graphic arts design. She would like to one day work as a freelancer. The skills she’s gained throughout her OJT experiences, such as communication and time management, will be essential for success in the freelance space. We are excited to see what comes next for Edliz and know that with her ambition and drive, she will work hard to accomplish her future goals in life.  

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