I
was born in Washington, DC and I attended Park View Elementary in northwest
Washington. Then I went to Banneker Middle School and then to Cardozo High
School. I graduated in 1979. My family was encouraging.
After high school I went to work at McDonald’s and I stayed
there about 7 months. It was all right. I wanted to move higher so I went
to the Court building where I did maintenance. It was a whole lot! I learned
how to clean, fixing feeders in the boiler room…there was nothing I
did not like but it was only part-time. I worked there about 2 years.
From the Court building I went to work at Cosi. I cooked donuts,
muffins, made sandwiches, mixed the dough. I liked that job but it I needed
a little more money. I stayed there about 2 ½ years. Then I went to
the Wisconsin Ave. Nursing Home. I was in housekeeping. I stayed there 16
years. Everybody on every floor knew me, all the elderly people. We got like
family. Then a new contract came in and they cut us from $14 per hour to $7
per hour. I stayed as long as I could.
Then one day I heard about Jubilee Jobs by just walking by. I had been unemployed about 2 months when I started with Jubilee. I went on a lot of interviews. It was worth the wait. Now I’m a custodian at the Westchester Apartments. I’ve been there since March of 2004. I make $10 per hour with benefits, health insurance, life insurance and a 401K.
So you have never been involved with the Police?
I stopped messing with the people who do the drugs. You have to learn how
to stop dealing with them. I had other friends. We had our little ups and
downs.
Tell us about your family.
I have three daughters and I have to take care of them. They are 20, 17, 15.
I was 25 when my first daughter was born. She is the apple of my eye. The
second one everybody calls my twin because she looks just like me. Being together
and with their cousins keeps them out of trouble. My parents both work. My
father is at the National Park Service and my mother is President of the Church,
First Baptist. I go there I have been there since 13 years old. I love to
sing. I used to be in the junior choir but I got older. Now I just sing in
the shower.
What advice would you give to other applicants?
I would tell them to go out and get whatever you want. You have to do the
right thing. Finish school. Always have your education and then you can do
anything. My parents both finished high school. And teach your kids values.
Our city is bad. Kids are out there on the street. They need to be straightened
up at home. They need that strong value at home so if they go out there on
the street they will know how to act.
What are your dreams?
One day I would love to be my own supervisor and to own my own home. Now I
am 46 and the future is open ahead.
