Luis Alvarez, 50, came to us while he was working $18/hour at a waste disposal company. “It's a crazy job,” Luis said. “It was a job where they bring all the medical waste and we get rid of it – diapers, bile, needles, pills, animals that have chemicals in them from testing. We put in the incinerator.” In his last experience with that employer, he inhaled toxic fumes from chemicals and was put on temporary medical leave since he was dizzy, showed visible skin irritation and had to go see a doctor. “It scared the hell out of me,” he said.

After his medical leave, Luis didn’t return to work and decided to enroll in our CDL Training Program. With his new found time, he was ready and willing to commit 100% to the program.

Prior to his admissions calls with Cody, he’d never written down his goals. “Just in my heart and my mind” he said had he ever made a commitment to himself before. Luis shared that he was seeking a stable and healthy life and job because he “never ever wants to go back to the old me.”

Because people don’t take chances with other people like me. When you’re willing to take a chance on me I feel that my goal is to not let you down or let myself down or let my family down. To be a role model for my kids and my grandkids. This is super life changing and I’m super grateful that someone is willing to pay for it for me.

What has been the most helpful part of the experience for you so far?

“You [Cody, his Success Coach] pushing me and cheering me on!! And that's an understatement.”

What advice would you give to someone who was on the fence about doing the Emerge Career CDL Program?

“Do it like your life depended on it!! Which for most of us it does.”