Thank You, Claude Figueroa, for Your Leadership

Emily Shields had a good job as an academic advisor, but something was missing. She longed for work that truly changed lives. “I wanted to do true counseling,” Emily recalls. “I wanted to help people discover their goals, not just choose courses. I wasn’t happy, and I knew I needed something more.” That “something more” came from her counselor at Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR) at Workforce Solutions East Texas, who saw potential she hadn’t yet recognized. “He told me, ‘You have the right credentials to be a VR counselor.’ He encouraged me to send my transcripts to the state and explained the classes I needed to take to move forward. That conversation opened a door I hadn’t considered before.” Emily acted on that advice, completing the necessary courses to become eligible for a VR counselor position. Along the way, challenges arose—like technical issues with her Work In Texas account—but each obstacle led to a new connection and opportunity. When she reached out for help, she met Debra Holcomb, an Employment Service Representative, who encouraged her and guided her toward growth opportunities. “She told me she thought I would be perfect for a VR role and encouraged me to go for it,” Emily says. Debra also suggested she attend the Job Connection Workshop, where Emily met Shantel Jackson, who helped her gain confidence, improve her resume, and prepare for interviews. Emily shares. “Shantel helped calm me, gave me strategies for interviews, and helped me tweak my resume so it spoke directly to the role I wanted. I walked away feeling confident and prepared.” Her persistence paid off—Emily was offered a position as a VR counselor. “I’m working in my dream career. I’m so happy to be a VR counselor,” she says proudly. Now, she finds fulfillment helping others as she was helped. One client’s gratitude reminded her why she chose this path. Emily reflects, “I was having a tough week, and then I worked with a client who was getting hearing aids, just like me. At the end of her meeting, she hugged me and thanked me. In that moment, I thought—oh yeah, everything is totally worth this moment.” For Emily, counseling is about seeing the whole person, not just their disability. “Even something like hearing loss can impact you mentally. Behind every disability is a person with feelings, goals, and opinions. As a counselor, I have the privilege of helping them see what’s possible.” For Emily, that privilege is personal. She once stood where many of her clients stand today, unsure of the next step, but willing to reach out for help. Her journey shows the power of believing in yourself—and letting others believe in you. Emily urges others to use local workforce resources: “Don’t overlook your local workforce office. People think it’s just for unemployment and it’s not. There are so many resources and programs to help you get where you want to go in your career, so take advantage of them.” Today, Emily isn’t just working a job—she’s living her dream, helping others discover their own. And for her, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.

When Owen Shreve moved from Bremerton, Washington, to Elysian Fields, Texas, he was ready for a new beginning. He had always loved working with his hands, but this time he wanted to turn that passion into a real career. That’s when he discovered Texas State Technical College’s (TSTC) Diesel Equipment Technology program in Marshall — and took the leap. “I’ve always enjoyed fixing things,” Owen said. “When I found out TSTC had an off-highway program, I thought, ‘It’s time to do something with my life.’” TSTC gave Owen the strong foundation he needed, but he knew that hands-on experience would take him further. That search led him to Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult program. With their support, he began a work experience internship with Thee Road Service, a local truck repair company. Owen’s determination quickly shined. In June 2025, he advanced into on-the-job training with the same company, gaining even more real-world skills. Just a month later, on July 27, 2025, his hard work was recognized with a pay raise, going from $15 to $20 per hour — a powerful sign that his dedication, hard work, and commitment were paving the way to success. “It’s really beneficial because I’m getting practical knowledge here (at TSTC), which ties directly into the field knowledge I get out there,” Owen said. “There hasn’t been a day I’ve walked away without learning something.” Leticia Hollins, Owen’s work-based learning coordinator at WSET, has seen his growth firsthand. “As he has progressed in his academic journey, his confidence and competence in handling complex tasks have noticeably increased,” Hollins said. “Professionally, Owen has taken on more responsibilities and consistently met challenges with determination and maturity.” Owen plans to graduate in May 2026 with his Associate of Applied Science degree in Diesel Equipment Technology. For him, the journey has been more than education — it has been transformation. “Being a student is absolutely rewarding because without this program I wouldn’t be where I’m at right now,” Owen said. “It’s opened so many doors for me already.” With the support of TSTC, Workforce Solutions East Texas, and the WIOA program, Owen has turned a lifelong passion into a promising career. What began as a leap of faith in moving to Texas has become a story of perseverance, opportunity, and growth. His journey proves that when determination meets the right support system, doors open, dreams take shape, and futures are built. For Owen, the road ahead is wide open — and he’s driving full speed toward success.