Nasir's Steps To Success

Nasir immigrated to the United States in 2019 with a goal, to earn his GED. 

Balancing receiving an education while working full-time is difficult, but Nasir found a way. Along with earning his GED, he wanted to learn a trade. He saw a commercial for Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota (GESMN) and reached out in 2021. Nasir always wanted to learn construction skills, and YouthBuild was the perfect fit.

While enrolled in YouthBuild, Nasir and his family moved further away from the training center, making it challenging to get to classes since he did not drive. From then on, he attended classes primarily online. Through the program, Nasir received help navigating the license process, eventually got his driver’s license so he could commute to school and work independently.

Nasir set up time to meet with staff to help prepare himself for the GED and apply for jobs. He landed 2 part-time jobs, one at a local manufacturing warehouse and the other at Amazon as a warehouse associate.

Nasir earned his GED on November 29, 2021! Inspired by his father, who had worked as a mechanic, Nasir engaged in hands-on construction when he could, and earned credentials through YouthBuild.

“If I were to give advice to future participants, I would tell them that if they want to get an education, YouthBuild is a great place to start,” said Nasir.

Nasir knew from the beginning that he was interested in attending college. Just weeks after earning his GED, he asked for support with researching, applying to colleges, and with the Financial Aid process. He was accepted at Anoka Technical College and is working towards his associates degree in cyber security.

“Nasir is a perfect example of how we can help any person and their situation,” says Nasir’s career navigator D’Sean. “He is dedicated to his goals and is great to see the growth he has made.”

If you or someone you know could use career support, visit gesmn.org/services.