By Elizabeth Ashton, Work First Fellow, 45th Street Manhattan
Mr. Cole joined the interview while his daughter slept to avoid any disruptions, a prime example of his focused and engaged approach to learning. Cole has been with America Works since before the remote transition and has not missed a beat. He has developed a close relationship with his Career Advisor, Mario Austin and multiple Education Team Trainers, such as Azania Douglas and Charles DeVeaux, all of whom Cole could not speak more highly of.
Currently, Cole is not working due to scheduling and childcare conflicts but has successfully earned his security license with the support of AW and hopes to get another job in that area. Prior to COVID-19, AW supported Cole in finding a job working at a local shelter. However, when the pandemic hit, childcare was suspended and Cole needed to be home with his daughter. Even as he juggles taking care of his daughter and seeking employment, Cole still manages to regularly attend AW webinars and stay in close contact with Austin. Now, Cole is earning his certificates in Microsoft programs and other administrative skills through a referral made by AW. Cole is devoted to building his administrative capabilities and re-entering that area so he can work while furthering his writing.
Cole defines success as “being happy with what you’re doing” and is grateful for the relationships at AW that have helped him come to that place. But ultimately, Mr. Cole insists, success is not achieved unless you share what you have and have learned with others. It is fitting then that Mr. Cole is now a published author and blog writer. Although Mr. Cole has achieved success in many ways and by many definitions, he still is passionate about his involvement with AW staff and trainings because, in his opinion, there is always something new to learn.
Mr. Cole addressed his mentality shift, which both Mrs. Douglas and Mr. Austin bore witness to, that allowed him to transition through difficult circumstances, insisting that the key is in never giving up, always moving, and never standing still. Mr. Cole wrote to me after his interview, expressing gratitude for hearing and sharing his story and shared his book, When You Love Someone, and his blog, marcelcole1564, on wixsite. Mr. Cole’s poetry book and writings focus on spirituality, love and relationships but he hopes to expand beyond those areas in future writings. Mr. Cole has overcome many challenges both because of his own determination and with the help of many dedicated individuals, and now hopes to leave something positive behind.