Shaylee was dedicated to developing her work skills. Through Community Options 2, a post-high school transitional program, she connected with Tayler, a career navigator, who introduced her to Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota’s (GESMN) retail skills training program.
Shaylee and her classmates gained hands-on experience by working in different departments at Cash Wise, a grocery store in Waite Park. Their responsibilities included tasks in the bakery, dairy, frozen foods, produce, and health and beauty, allowing them to learn valuable on-the-job skills.
Overcoming Challenges and Asking for Help
Reflecting on her time in the program, Shaylee said, “It was really good. I really liked it.” She also noted that the experience had a significant effect on both her personal and professional growth. “The program impacted my life a lot. Even at home, I’m able to speak up for myself more.”
“I learned how to ask for help. One time during the program, I made a mistake labeling bread. I was able to tell my manager and get help. That sort of thing was difficult for me in the past.”
The Power of Support
Shaylee also highlighted how valuable her daily meetings with her career navigator, Tayler, were to provide guidance on hard and soft skills, helping Shaylee build confidence and gain knowledge in a supportive environment. Job soft skills included communication, time management, work ethic, accountability, self-motivation, self-confidence, stress management, and more hands-on skills like packaging, labeling, stocking and rotating products.
Tayler observed Shaylee’s growth in the program. “Shaylee was a delight to have in retail skills training program. She has a positive and kind nature that appears to come with ease to her. One of the things I noticed early on was that Shaylee is a peacekeeper, often giving answers she thought I or department staff wanted to hear instead of expressing her true feelings. I encouraged Shaylee to use her voice and speak her truth. It’s important to know that it’s okay to have a different opinion or to say that you don’t like or aren’t interested in something – and that doing so won’t lead to having a poor relationship with others. After several weeks, I noticed a shift – Shaylee appeared to be more comfortable expressing herself. By the end of the program, she had no problem voicing if she was opposed to something. I am so proud of her for pushing past the feeling of being uncomfortable disagreeing with something and being able to express how she really feels in a respectful and productive way.”
A Newfound Passion
Shaylee continues to apply many of the skills she learned during the program in her current school internship. Her experience also sparked a new interest in the baking field. “In the future, I would like to own my own bakery,” Shaylee shared. She is particularly drawn to the art of decorating and is eager to find a position where she can learn more.
“The advice that I would give other participants,” Shaylee said, “would be to tell the truth if they make mistakes or if they are being questioned. It’s okay to make mistakes.” Her experience taught her that mistakes are part of the learning process and shouldn’t hold anyone back from progressing in their careers.
Learn more about the nearly 20 services and programs GESMN offers and the impact of these programs in creating career opportunities.
Pictured: Shaylee with her classmates and career navigator, Tayler.