Student Success Story

Submitted By: Sherri Watkins, State Center Adult Education Consortium
Consortium: State Center Adult Education Consortium

Meet Rafael

Program Area(s): Career Technical Education

The Challenge

Rafael was lucky that he had a stable job and income. Unfortunately, he felt his family life was suffering due to his long work hours and out of town assignments. When he worked in town, he usually didn’t get home until eight or nine o’clock at night and worked 60 plus hours per week. His out of town assignments required him to be away from home days at a time. He missed his family, and they missed him. He definitely felt there was a void in his life.

The Solution

As a young person, Rafael was interested in becoming a bus driver but never found an affordable training program that would prepare him for the career. When he saw the Sanger Adult School Bus Driver Prep Course promoted on Facebook, he knew the time was right for a career change.

Rafael often drove from his work assignments in the bay area to attend the twice weekly evening classes in Sanger. He was committed to completing the course in good standing, despite his demanding work schedule.

Outcomes

His sacrifices to complete the course paid off for Rafael. After passing the multiple Department of Motor Vehicle and California Highway Patrol exams, Rafael, along with a few other students, was hired by Sanger Unified Transportation Department. He is currently working every day and building on his skill set with on the job training to prepare for taking on a Special Needs Bus Route.

The career change was worthwhile for Rafael. He has a rewarding career serving the students of Sanger Unified. The other good news is that he can reconnect with his family. With his new job as a bus driver, he is able to be home for dinner every night.