From humble beginnings to building a legacy– how Patricia got her start and now is publishing a book.
Patricia came to PA CareerLink® looking for assistance with their job search process and a passion to become a children’s book author. From day one, she had a deep desire to give a voice to stories that she never saw growing up—stories rooted in her Latin culture, identity, and emotional healing. Although she had this passion burning within, she had no clue where or how to get started to make that dream a reality. When Patricia started in PA CareerLink® Lancaster County’s EARN Program, she told her Career Navigator her dreams of publishing a children’s book and owning her business. Her Career Navigator was excited to hear about this passion and wanted to support her vision as much as possible.
“My journey as a writer began with a deep desire to give a voice to the stories I never saw growing up. Stories rooted in culture, identity, and emotional healing. As a proud first-generation Puerto Rican-American born in Brooklyn, New York, I come from a family where many struggled with reading and writing. That history became my motivation to create bilingual children’s books that reflect our communities and empower young readers to feel proud of who they are.“ Patricia states in her entry letter to PA CareerLink® Lancaster County.
Throughout the time Patricia was in the EARN program, PA CareerLink® Lancaster County worked diligently to make her vision a possibility by connecting Patricia with resources, mentorships, and a paid work experience at The Lancaster Public Library which enabled her to grow both as an author and entrepreneur. Her career team also assisted with other barriers that were blocking the road to success for Patricia such as transportation, access to professional clothing, and navigating her background.
Today, Patricia is coming up on 200 hours of Paid Work Experience at The Lancaster Public Library. She has already launched her business website, and her published bilingual children’s book, Mi Corazón Has Colors, is available to order!
“Easy was never in my mind. I knew that I had to start creating the life that I wanted, and where I was headed was unknown and unfamiliar, but the desire for change was louder than the fear I felt inside. From humble beginnings to building a legacy, I now write stories that up life families, inspire change, and show that our words have power.”
Along with the drop of her book, Patricia will be doing a special reading of her book during Storytime at the Lancaster Public Library for Hispanic Heritage Month! More details to be announced on the Lancaster Public Library’s platforms on date and time.
If you are looking for assistance in your job search and for support overcoming barriers to obtain your dream employment, PA CareerLink® Lancaster County offers a plethora of services to help those from various situations. See what programs would be best for you at www.jobs4lancaster.com or contact us directly at info@jobs4lancater.com and get started on becoming your own inspirational story today.