Tech Passion Ignited: Tahitia's Growth at Goodwill
“Since technology is fitting to be around a long time, I want to take my experience to help other people out.”
Tahitia beams with enthusiasm while sharing a passion for information technology. Reflecting on a pivotal high school moment, Tahitia recalls dismantling a broken Xbox and reassembling it, igniting an enduring interest in computers.
It’s a personal dream to ‘move up the ladder’ in the IT field— “I might even be a CEO one day!” Tahitia exclaims.
We are chatting in the office of ReFactory, a program of Goodwill Southeast Georgia which de-manufactures items that didn’t sell on the market. Items are broken down to their base materials for repurposing.
It’s Tahitia’s second to last day at ReFactory—but it’s a time of celebration and growth. Tahitia is taking a significant step forward, transitioning to the role of a help desk associate with CitiTrends.
Tahitia credits ReFactory and Goodwill Southeast Georgia for serving as the catalyst for personal and career development.
About six months ago, Tahitia sought a positive experience to develop IT skills and was drawn to ReFactory's IT-labeled position. Tahitia immediately applied and recalls the quick response.
“About four hours later, I got a phone call. Everyone was so nice and sweet and polite, so I came to this team—which inspired me very much.”
Tahitia says what sets Goodwill apart as a work environment is each associate’s dedication to teamwork, and the support received from fellow Associates and Kim Haynes, the ReFactory Site Manager.
“It don’t matter if it’s your team lead, or it’s a manager, or just another employee to help you out—everyone comes together as a team. I actually realized what teamwork meant --I didn’t know (what that looked like) before I came here,” says Tahitia.
“I would recommend this job to anyone. You’re going to an awesome team.”
One standout member of that team to Tahitia—is “Ms. Kim”—the ReFactory Site Manager.
“Ms. Kim—she inspired me the most. It’s like she’s a second mom to me. She can push me like she’s my other support team. She asks me if I’m doing well in school—I’ve never had anyone ask me that,” says Tahitia.
Tahitia describes how Haynes was there to lend a listening ear on challenging days, and to provide support as Tahitia considered career growth.
Then—came the big phone call.
“(CitiTrends) was offering me the position of being a help desk-slash-IT (associate),” says Tahitia. “At first it was a hard decision because I didn’t want to leave (ReFactory) with all the opportunities Goodwill has as well…but IT is what I want to do and what I plan to pursue with my life.”
Embracing this new opportunity aligns with Tahitia's broader life goal of inspiring others to pursue their dreams. Tahitia encourages everyone, young and old, to reach for their aspirations.
"Don't let nobody bring you down. Don't have negativity in your life and always have a positive vibe. And always have a support team like I do."
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