AGE: 23
POSITION: Pharmacy Technician
EMPLOYER: Walgreens
Aleecia is a born-and-raised Chicagoan and oldest of four who lives with her mother and dog Oreo. She was working at a warehouse when a close friend told her about Youth Job Center.
“I wasn’t myself before I started YJC, because I was trying to find my career path or figure out what to do with my future,” she says. “But YJC helped me build a brighter future for myself.”
Getting started at Youth Job Center, Aleecia learned how to craft an eye-catching resume and how to present herself while interviewing. Following that were help with launching a LinkedIn profile; a steady stream of notifications about job openings, job fairs, and interviews; and bus cards to help her get back and forth. Aleecia shrewdly took advantage of all of it.
In late 2023, she landed a Paid Work Experience as a Walgreens pharmacy technician, which proved to be an eye-opening experience: Aleecia went from not knowing what a pharmacy technician was to discovering that she greatly enjoyed being one, especially because it allowed her to help and talk to people. After completing her Paid Work Experience, Aleecia was quickly hired on as a permanent staff member.
“My job has impacted me a lot,” she says. “It’s teaching me a lot every day.” She’s developed concrete competencies like filling prescriptions and understanding medical coding as well as power skills like knowing how to respond to the various situations that can pop up on the job. Another benefit of this position? The coworkers! Aleecia describes hers as remarkably helpful and “very heartwarming.”
Aleecia’s favorite thing about YJC is meetings with her coach Sara. “I just love coming in the office and seeing my coach, going over the future, the next steps, school,” she says. “When I told her about Walgreens, she was so proud.”
Now that Aleecia has identified and accomplished her goal of launching a healthcare career, she’s looking to her future, which will include work in a hospital as a pediatrics nurse. Working as a pharmacy tech, pursuing medical certifications at Chicago Community Learning Center, and staying in touch with her career coach, Aleecia is well on her way.
Aleecia, we’re so excited about your new career path and know that your steadfastness and positive attitude will propel you to new heights! We’re all rooting for you and delight in getting to support you on your journey.
