Limitless Potential: Celebrating CareerPoint Finance Graduates
- hhodsdon2
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
On Thursday, November 6, Operation Fresh Start welcomed family, friends, staff, and employer partners to celebrate the graduation of the CareerPoint Finances and Customer Service Cohort at the Warner Park Recreation Center. While this program spanned just six weeks, the impact on participants’ lives was anything but short-lived.
“Over the past six weeks, these participants have shown tremendous growth, commitment, and perseverance,” CareerPoint Coordinator Nicole Knox said. “This program wasn’t just about learning customer service techniques or financial literacy; it was about developing confidence, discovering potential, and preparing to take the next step in their professional journeys.”
The success of this program was made possible by the incredible support of partners and mentors, including American Family Insurance, Spherion, the Parsley App, Anchored Agency, UW Credit Union, Lake Ridge Bank, and the dedicated staff of Operation Fresh Start. Their guidance, time, and encouragement created an environment where participants could flourish.
Together, Michelle and Austin built a learning environment defined by collaboration, courtesy, and mutual respect. Watching them challenge themselves, cheer each other on, and grow together was a highlight for everyone involved.
“This class may have been small in number, but what they brought in spirit, determination, and creativity was truly extraordinary,” Nicole said.
The graduation ceremony also highlighted the exceptional qualities of the participants individually. Michelle was recognized for her quiet determination, humility, and empathetic nature.
“From the very beginning, Michelle has stood out as one of the sweetest, most humble, and most reliable individuals I have had the privilege of getting to know,” Nicole said. “Michelle is a woman of few words, but when she speaks, her words carry genuine meaning.”
During her own remarks, Michelle reflected on the experience and said:
“In this short time, we’ve grown, learned, and challenged ourselves in ways that will stay with us beyond this moment… We’ve built new skills, gained confidence, and discovered more about who we are and what we’re capable of achieving.”
Austin was celebrated for his outgoing personality, contagious energy, and genuine care for others. Nicole described him as someone whose “enthusiasm and positive energy are absolutely contagious,” praising his ability to make others feel included and valued. She added, “As you move on to the next chapter, I have no doubt that you will accomplish anything you set your mind to.”
In his graduation speech, Austin expressed heartfelt gratitude:
“Being here is a moment I’ll never forget… It wouldn’t have been possible without the support, encouragement, and belief of so many people around me.”
He thanked his mother for her “endless love” and shared his appreciation for his mentors who “helped me grow… and believed in my potential even when I doubted myself.”
Graduates, instructors, family, and employer partners all reflected on the courage it took to step into something new. As Deputy Director of Empowerment Programs and Strategic Initiatives, Jasmine Banks, put it, the two participants showed that “there is a limitless sky… There is no limit to what the two of you can do.”
As the ceremony concluded with certificates in hand and a group photo capturing the moment, it was evident that the CareerPoint Finances and Customer Service Cohort embodied everything Operation Fresh Start stands for: growth, resilience, and the pursuit of one’s potential.
Congratulations to Michelle and Austin. The future is bright, and we cannot wait to see the incredible paths you will carve.
