October 6, 2008

To My Dear Friends and Supporters at Clackamas Community College:

When I first steeled myself to venture out of my isolation this past January and see what Clackamas Community College might have to offer, I never imagined I’d find myself smack in the mother lode of such incredible resources and support.

From feeling completely unemployable, or at least very, very far from job-readiness, I am now well-prepared—and absolutely thrilled—to begin an internship with the Customized Training and Development Services Department on campus.

I am amazed by and grateful for my encounters with each of you, and I wish to offer my deepest thanks for your help in bringing me to this point.

Jean DeVenney and Casey Sims, you sponsored me for the LCOP class, which ultimately helped me envision myself as a member of the workforce with valuable contributions to make and unlimited potential to explore. You encouraged me to investigate Dress for Success, so I now have the basics—and the means—for a lovely career wardrobe. You suggested I look into volunteer opportunities, so I got out of my own head and began to see how I could be of service to others. I’ve received many blessings in return, including a valuable reference for my portfolio.

John Kyllo, through the Workforce program, you made the difficult job search process easier, and helped me remember to prioritize and break down tasks into manageable pieces. By presenting the Work Experience program to me, you opened a window of opportunity which brought such hope and optimism that my feet are still three feet off the ground!

Shalee Hodgson and Pam Clem, you so clearly understood my assets and liabilities, and you planned out an absolutely perfect work experience for me. This internship will allow me to rebuild my self-confidence, draw on my established abilities and experience, and develop new skills in areas of interest to me. Carrie Kraten, you have so graciously offered to guide me as I reenter the workforce (after 10 years!), and I’m quite beside myself with excitement to learn about what you do and how.

Linda Starr, your enthusiasm, support, and practical know-how helped keep me focused on the tasks at hand, and your very own success story has tremendously inspired me to keep investigating the wealth of resources available on campus. Linda Wood, you helped me turn one of my biggest hurdles—writing a simple cover letter—into a manageable, confidence-building task. Putting my name on a piece of paper and saying positive things about me isn’t that hard anymore! And since I’m thinking about the important Lindas in my life, let me thank my dear friend Linda Otos, a fellow LCOP student (and now an LCOP panelist and tutor) who started this whole amazing journey for me by suggesting I join the class.

I will think of you all with heartfelt gratitude as I begin my internship, and I look forward to seeing you on campus.

With sincerest thanks,

Nancy J. Shaffer