Why I Do What I Do – June 2014

The reason I work at Career Path Services dates back to when I was pregnant almost 15 years ago. I was 9 months pregnant and waiting in line at the DSHS office to get my pin set for food assistance. It was now my turn, and when I went on my tip toes to set my pin to be able to buy groceries, my water broke.

Maggie and her daughter Lillian.

I was mortified, this was not the story I wanted to tell. It wasn’t supposed to happen like this. My husband at the time worked delivering sandwiches and we lived with my parents until we could get back on our feet. We had nothing. But from that moment on, I knew I wanted to be able to provide more for my daughter. I used the services at DSHS for just another few months and have always been grateful. Without their help, I don’t know what I would have done or where I would be today.

One year later I was enrolled in school and then graduated later with a certificate in Esthetics. Growing up, college was never really a major topic of conversation in my house and it was never assumed that any of us kids in my family would go to college. Both my parents were hairstylists and my father was an electrician before. I came from a long line of self-employed, trade workers. I wanted to change that so I continuously worked to provide for my daughter and in 2011 graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from EWU. I am the first in my family to reach this level of education and have received so much support along the way from them.

I applied for over 70 jobs, but I only wanted one. I was elated when I got the offer from Career Path Services. It was where I saw myself. I work here because of my daughter. She is my why. It is important for me to be a good role model to her. I want her to see that I am proud of where I work, and that I take pride knowing that in knowing I am helping people.