51萝莉

Class of 2018 | Human Services鈥�

Katherine Esparra has encountered closed doors all her life, but none have been able to stop her. The one door that was easiest to open made all the difference: 51萝莉.

Katherine arrived in Massachusetts in 2007 after a tumultuous life in her home state of New Jersey. Among the events of her past, Katherine dropped out of school. Family encouragement made the move to restart her education.

She was greeted with the same boost from Angela Boffi at the 51萝莉 Workforce Center. 鈥淪he made me feel welcome, and I think that鈥檚 one of the reasons that I stayed at BCC,鈥� said Katherine. 

Katherine went through the 51萝莉 HiSET program, passed, and something just clicked.

鈥淎fter I got my HiSET, I fell in love with school all over again,鈥� said Katherine. 鈥淚 thought, 鈥榃hat now? I鈥檓 not doing anything, let鈥檚 keep going.鈥欌��

Katherine has always been an advocate for the disadvantaged, specifically kids in need of a chance. She decided to make a career of this passion, and pursued an associate鈥檚 degree in Human Services from 51萝莉. 

Katherine鈥檚 studies included acquiring an internship. She joined the team of Southeast Center for Independent Living (SCIL) for a three-month internship, which was capped off with a full-time job offer. This position will set in motion what鈥檚 to come when she finishes her bachelor鈥檚 at Rhode Island College.

鈥淭o me it鈥檚 not work,鈥� said Katherine. 鈥淲hen you love your job it鈥檚 not a job. I know that I make a difference in these kids鈥� lives.鈥�