“I study criminal justice and think I want to be a lawyer, but there are so many avenues to consider,” says Destin, a 22-year-old University of Wyoming student. “I’m excited. It’s kind of overwhelming because I also really like business. So, we’ll see.”
While Destin thinks hard about his next step, his sister, Destiny, started college this fall. She wants to study for a career in television and film.
Their mom, Josetta, graduated from Climb’s Office Careers training in Laramie almost a decade ago. Today, Josetta works as the dean’s assistant for the University of Wyoming’s School of Pharmacy.
Photo Above: Josetta works at the University of Wyoming, where her son and daughter both attend college.
“I remember a time in our lives before my mom did the Climb program,” says Destin. “That was the hardest of the hard times.”
Born in West Africa, Josetta first came to Wyoming for her husband’s job. Then she found herself on her own, in a foreign country, raising two kids with the help of her mother.
“When our granny passed away,” remembers Destin, “I saw my mom experience pain for the first time. That moment really sticks out to me. At that time in her life, she was really alone in raising us.”
Destiny says the biggest thing she noticed when her mom did Climb was how she met other moms and then started a career that gave her even more connections and resources. It opened up a new chapter in their lives that soon filled with academics, soccer, theater, dance, attending UW football games, and hanging out with friends.
“We’ve always had our dreams and goals and aspirations, but I think our ability to achieve them and the confidence to get there was higher because my mom had a professional career and all that came with it.”
– Destin
Destin and Destiny are excited for what their futures will bring. “I want my mom to know that I appreciate everything she has done for us through all the ups and downs,” says Destin. “No matter what happens, I’m going to put my best foot forward. And hopefully one day I’ll make her proud.”
When children move out of poverty, they are three times more likely to thrive in employment as adults.*
*Urban Institute, Child Poverty and Adult Success
