Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/571090
August 31 - September 21, 2015 10 Working World l WorkingWorld.com FEATURE ARTICLE by East Los Angeles College Technology & Logistics Program Staff A fter 1 ½ years of working hard and performing well at her job, Regina Lomeli was at first stunned, and then plain dismayed, when told her services were no longer need- ed. What appeared to be more obvious was that her replacement was someone who did not come with the sensitive de- mands a soon-to-be mother would have in the near future. Regina was left de- spondent, six months pregnant, without a job, and with a daughter on the way. As she pondered her future, Regina was all too familiar with this kind of reaction from employers when it came to the special work-related considerations of a single mother, being raised by one herself. And now, there she was, a sin- gle parent with her own concerns about her daughter Jalena's well-being. She had to figure out a way to secure better opportunities for her newly formed family of two. Regina desper- ately recognized that she was in the same cycle of hardship her mother had gone through. Seeking out help from the Department of Public Social Services she was connected to their GAIN program (Greater Avenues for Independence), working with Linda Choy, a career ad- visor with LACOE (Los Angeles County Office of Education). Regina shared with Linda her likes and inter- ests, as well as her experience. Together they decided that Re- gina's prior work in warehouse distribution would make her well suited for East Los Angeles College's (ELAC) Technology & Lo- gistics Program. New to col- lege, Regina was not sure what to expect when she showed up to class apprehensive about how well would she do. She quickly found out that the Technol- ogy & Logistics Program had a comprehensive support system that would help her succeed. Regina noted, "Linda Choy and the ELAC logistics staff have really worked with me to make sure that I get the help that I need. Professor Garcia and the other ELAC instructors keep the classes interesting and I am really enjoying being part of the program." Regina has made significant progress through the program, even obtaining job placement at United Parcel Service A Logistical Career Change After 1 ½ years of working hard and performing well at her job, Regina Lomeli was at first stunned, and then plain dismayed, when told her services were no longer needed. What appeared to be more obvious, was that her replacement was someone who did not come with the sensitive demands a soon-to- be mother would have in the near future.