Riley Henegar, an incredible adult learner with Autism Spectrum Disorder, recently graduated from the Pathfinder Career Exploration Program at Wake Technical Community College. Over the last 2 years Riley completed six different employability skills cohorts that gave her the skills she needed to find a job she loves that pays a living wage.
The Pathfinder Program offers numerous career pathways, and Riley earned both a ServSafe Food handler and Guest Services Gold certification – both nationally recognized credentials.
In addition to her studies, Riley also served as a Pathfinder Student Ambassador, assisting new students as they started their college journey. She poured herself into this role. Riley has a lot of enthusiasm and a positive attitude, which helped her be successful as a Student Ambassador. Her studies, credentials, experience, and attitude came together to help her stand out and get a job she is thrilled with as a Food Services Associate at Rex Hospital.
Riley spoke about her experiences at the program graduation, saying, “For a long time when I thought about getting a job, I was not sure what to do. I only had a limited idea about the kind of job that might be good for me. My Pathfinders instructors taught me important things about the hiring process, including the most practical things about resumes and interviewing. They also helped me think beyond my limited ideas about possibilities for employment. When the opportunity came up to apply for the job I now have as a Food Services Associate at Rex Hospital, I was both open to the idea and excited to apply. On the job every day, I deliver meals to the patients at Rex Hospital. The things I learned about customer service and etiquette helped prepare me for the kinds of interactions I have at work and following the guidelines my employer has about these things.”