Meet Josh

Hi my name is Josh,

When I started coming to Oconee Adult Education in October of 2022, I never really realized how much my life and career path would change in such a short time. After I started working on my high school diploma with the adult ed program, I also became involved with Palmetto Youth Connections. In February of this year, I completed my high school diploma. This program has given me the ability to graduate when I did not think that would happen in the past. The teachers and staff at adult ed helped me see the potential I had. I was never the smartest kid before, but I know you must put in the work to get where you want to go. I learned that if you stick with things, and put in the time and effort, you can achieve what you are working for. You must be surrounded with support from the staff and dedication from yourself. I know now that if I can do this, there is no limit to other things I can accomplish if I set my mind to it.

In addition to getting my diploma, I was given the great opportunity to do a job shadow through Palmetto Youth Connections with a Tycoon Fabrication, a welding and fabrication company. Since that time, I was offered a full-time job thanks to the job shadow opportunity with Tycoon.  I can learn the welding field while I work in the field I was interested in pursuing. I now can make my own money, learn new skills that will help me now and, in the future and meet new people in the industry. I feel like these are all things that would not have fallen into place without the help of Palmetto Youth Connections, the adult ed program and the teacher’s willingness to help students when they need it the most.  Thank you for helping me pursue my dream job in the welding field.

To find out more about Youth Services available through Palmetto Youth Connections, call Karen Craven at 864-633-6354 (TTY 711).