YBB Featured Student: Ianee Gomes
This week we're following up on BTE student Ianee Gomes, who recently completed all 5 of her HiSET exams and will be graduating the program this month. You may remember Ianee from our State House Day post back in March, where we featured a wonderful speech about her story and experience in the program. We are so excited to share more of her inspiring story with you today in celebration of all her accomplishments.
Ianee initially applied for the program in February 2020, but when BTE classes moved online due to the pandemic, it was no longer a good fit for her due to a number of obstacles and outside challenges that she had going on in her personal life. However, Ianee refused to allow those obstacles to keep her from accomplishing her goals. After realizing that she needed to come back to YBB, Ianee reapplied, and we were thrilled to welcome her back into the program.
“I encountered a lot of obstacles that distracted me from focusing on my goals and myself. After realizing that I really wanted more for myself and for my future, I reached out to YouthBuild and I got a 2nd chance.”
Since rejoining the program, Ianee has worked on a number of projects with YBB, including The Harry Truman Apartments in Cambridge, the fence at Paige Academy, The Digital Ready Exhibit, and a number of projects at Haley House Farm. Ianee's instructors say that she brightens up the classroom and boosts the morale of her classmates with her infectious smile and positive energy.
“Ianee is a very resilient person. She admits to having lots of challenges and hardships, but despite all that, she is determined to meet her goals. It truly speaks to her sense of perseverance.”
When it came time for Ianee to begin taking exams in pursuit of her High School Equivalency Diploma (HED) She was quite nervous, especially for the Math exam. She passed her English and Language Arts exams quickly, and then Science. Ianee did not let her nerves get the best of her, and she was able to pass her Math exam last week!
“YouthBuild Boston really gives me the support I need and reassures me that as long as I’m focused I can do anything.”
Earning her High School Equivalency Diploma opens a lot of doors for Ianee, and she now is much closer to her dream of one day starting her own business. Ianee plans to join the union and start a career in the trades. While originally interested in brick laying, she has since decided that she enjoys painting even more, and plans to build her career around this interest. We have no doubt that Ianee's spirit, ambition, and drive will lead her to wonderful places in her life, and we are so proud of her. Congratulations, Ianee!