“‘Life is a beautiful thing, and spending it in jail is no way to live,’” Erika shared, recalling her client’s impactful words. Despite having faced considerable adversity, this individual had managed to retain an optimistic outlook that Erika found inspiring. “I was struck to the core by these words, and I realized that this phrase could apply to anybody who feels like they’re ‘imprisoned’ by tough circumstances or negative beliefs they have about themselves that aren’t true.”
When Chrysalis opened its fourth center in Orange County in November of 2018, Erika was one of the first volunteers to arrive eager to share her positivity and professionalism with clients and staff alike. As an Anaheim native and proud CSU Fullerton alumnae, she was enthusiastic about working with individuals from her community to overcome their unique barriers to employment. When she came across Chrysalis’ new volunteering opportunities, Erika was drawn to the direct impact she could have on clients in one-on-one resume writing and practice interview sessions by utilizing the expertise she had gained from her time as an Academic Counselor. “I enjoy having the opportunity to practice my skills while doing work that aims to help improve lives, families, and the community,” Erika explained.
Along with providing one-on-one services, Erika was also recently trained to facilitate Job Prep 3, which focuses on the interview.
Creating meaningful human connections and having the opportunity to be a part of clients’ journeys are among her favorite parts of volunteering with Chrysalis. Her dedication to the organization’s mission has been highly regarded at Chrysalis Orange County, where Erika has earned herself a solid reputation for the understanding and respect she shows each individual she works with. For Erika, it is essential to help clients recognize their own value and hard work, while also assuring them that others see it as well.
“Many clients are in the mindset of either not realizing or downplaying their skill sets and talents by selling themselves short and feeling insecure. It’s important to me that I remind them not to think about the reasons that they can’t get a job and, instead, to think of all of the reasons that they can get a job.” While her experience in jobs ranging from sales to research familiarized Erika with the job search process and varying professional settings, her time as a counselor and Psychology student offered an even deeper insight into the need for soft skills and self-assurance. Along with discussing the technical aspects of compiling a resume or interviewing for a job, Erika is always sure to dedicate time to building clients’ confidence in their ability to create a better future for themselves regardless of where they were prior to walking through Chrysalis’ doors. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging their perseverance and tenacity for self-improvement as they advance through Chrysalis’ program, learn from their past, and make room for a brighter future.
“I want to make sure that clients feel proud of themselves and recognize all of the great things that they can bring to the table in their new job.”
Thank you, Erika, for going above and beyond every day for Chrysalis clients in Orange County!