Taison L.

Welding, 2022 Graduate

Taison's journey is a testament to resilience, determination and the transformative power of education.

Before enrolling at the Capital District Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), Taison faced the harsh realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Forced to close his car sales and service company while a single parent of two children, Taison was motivated to find a solution. Influenced by his caseworker, Taison decided to enroll in one of the EOC’s career training programs.

Given his background in the automotive industry, the Welding program particularly appealed to Taison and despite the challenges of being a full-time student and a single parent, he remained persistent in his pursuit of a better future for his children.

“It was hard, but I stayed motivated because of my family, my friends, and my faith,” Taison said. He credits much of his motivation and determination to the support of the entire EOC community, noting that the staff and his instructors always encouraged him to “keep putting one foot in front of the other.”

Taison successfully completed the Welding program and earned an advanced welding certification in 2022. Afterwards, his EOC counselor suggested that he apply to Hudson Valley Community College to further his education. He is currently enrolled in the Automotive Technical Services – Autobody Repair program and soon will receive an Associate in Occupational Studies degree, in addition to more than 10 I-CAR certifications related to collision repair.

“As of today, I am in my last semester and will graduate in May,” Taison said, although he aspires to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall. In addition to his education, he is working on securing funding from the Albany Small Business Development Center’s SEED program to launch his business.

“The EOC was a wonderful journey for me,” Taison said. “It is a stepping stone along my path to success and the experience actually changed my life.”