My name is Ruth Gardner. I came into STRIVE DC with a bad attitude. I felt like I was mad with the world. My instructors, Carlton and Lisa, were the best! They hung in there with me to let me see that my attitude was going to stop me from getting a job and keeping it. They even put me out of the class because of my attitude but I was determined to make it, so I came back and graduated with my class. However, because of my attitude, I had to report to STRIVE DC every day for three additional weeks before they would send me out on a job interview.

           Finally, I was scheduled for my first job interview, and that is when disaster struck. The night before my interview, the apartment where my daughter and I were living caught on fire. I immediately called STRIVE for assistance and they told me to go to the interview! Although I was not totally up to it, I went to the interview and I got the job, a summer receptionist position with Martha's Table. I really enjoyed working there. I worked with some great people and met great people. When the job ended, I came back to STRIVE DC for additional assistance. I updated my resume and I scheduled additional interviews. Within a week, I was offered a position with Trak Auto.

           In addition to helping me get a job, STRIVE DC has referred me to a GED program. Although I just started, I enjoy the program and I have a very good teacher.