STRIVE Superstars: Elysha Inspires
Written By: Brandon Black
Inspired By: Elysha Dixon
COVID-19 has dropped the world into a very large predicament in so many ways. The biggest of all may very well be that face to face meetings are tough to come by and seen as unsafe. Even with these limitations, I had the incredible honor of sitting down with Elysha Dixon over a Zoom conference call to discuss STRIVE Wentworth Training Program. I went into this meeting with high expectations and left the meeting holding back tears from how inspiring Mr. Dixon truly was.
Elysha is a 21-year-old member of the STRIVE Wentworth Training Program. Before getting involved in the program, Elysha shared that, “I was a knucklehead. I didn’t do my work, but at the same time I was edgy with how things were supposed to be. These beautiful people putting trust in me really had me come a long way. Putting their 100% trust in me felt great”.
Prior to his involvement with STRIVE Wentworth Training Program, Elysha was a student in the Boston Public School system. He describes this time in his life by saying, “It did give me my challenges. Before I went to STRIVE Wentworth Training Program there was a lot that I didn’t get the chance to learn. There was a lot I did get to learn, but I was in my own world. As soon as I got the chance (with STRIVE Wentworth Training Program), I got through those obstacles”.
As for Boston Public Schools, Elysha states, “I can’t say it was a fun ride, but it was an amazing experience”. The early struggles were a necessary part of Elysha’s journey.
The appreciation for the atmosphere at Wentworth is not to be forgotten. When I asked him his thoughts on Wentworth and its campus, Elysha described how he likes, “Honestly everything. Sometimes I get to talk to students and learn about their culture. I like the way that all the dorms are set up and everyone can do their own thing and study. I love waking up and seeing everybody at Wentworth. It’s my favorite part, I really like the experience”.
STRIVE Wentworth Training Program is not just a program that puts these young individuals to work, but truly forms them into the respectful young adults they will become. When I asked Elysha how he would describe his current role, he confidently stated, “Leadership. Being that muscle…I help those who can’t cope with certain training. If they need help or if they’re just not in the mood, I’ll just take over and help out”. This bright young mind is the real deal!
Brenda Tañón-Jackson, STRIVE Wentworth Training Program Overseer and Community Connections Facilitator, confirmed Elysha’s confident words before I even met with him. “Where he started at and where he is now is just tremendous”, she mentioned. Hearing that put a smile to my face as it confirmed that STRIVE Wentworth Training Program was achieving everything that it prides itself on.
The growth Mr. Dixon has achieved and how much it means to him could not have been any clearer. Each response was accompanied with raw, nearly tangible, emotion. STRIVE Wentworth Training Program is heavily responsible for this, and Elysha made sure to mention a few individuals who have aided his process all along the way.
Craig Ramsey SR., the Go Green Recycling Program Supervisor, has been remarkably vital in the molding of Elysha’s character. Elysha explained, “Mr. Ramsey yanked my ear a couple times early on to get me to where I am, so I definitely appreciate him”. This discipline from the jump paved the way for the leader he would become in no time!
Brenda Tañón-Jackson, who sat in on the interview with us, proved to be another valuable person in Elysha’s life. She helped set him on a path of structure that he would go on to surely thrive in. “Miss Brenda always passes the torch and looks for me to make sure everything is scheduled right, and everything is nice and running (the way it should be)”. The trust set forth in Elysha to be a leader for STRIVE Wentworth Training Program has allowed him to become his best self.
Barbara Lowe, Facilities Management Supervisor, has taken the very special role of “grandmother” by Mr. Dixon. Elysha pointed out, “We definitely came a long way. We clicked heads a little bit, but once I got to know her, she was a really sweet loving caring lady. She wants to see the best out of everybody. That right there really touches me”.
As for the rest of the STRIVE Wentworth Training Program, Elysha considers his coworkers “Family”. Discussing his team, Elysha mentions, “I don’t have a favorite. They all get on my nerves and aggravate me, but at the end of the day when I am going through things, they’re there for me. They make me laugh in the morning, they tell good jokes, they get on my case a little bit, but I really do love those guys and appreciate them. That’s my family”. The bond between everyone on the crew is what truly makes STRIVE Wentworth Training Program flourish.
At the conclusion of our interview, I wanted to give Elysha the opportunity to say anything from the heart for people to absorb. He gave a response that genuinely amazed me. Elysha Dixon’s closing words to me were, “I just want to let people know that when it comes to working and certain experiences in life, they’re going to be scary and new. Once you give it a chance, you might find your calling. When I went to Wentworth, I feel like I found my calling. I’m looking forward to going back and continuing doing what I love and that is being with the people I love”.
Elysha completely astonished me with everything he shared during our 15-minute call together. His modesty and focus on individual growth spoke to me in a way that is nothing less than inspiring. So many people give up when the going gets tough, but Elysha Dixon looked adversity directly in the face and made sure to come out victorious. STRIVE Wentworth Training Program is the platform that allowed for this tremendous transformation. When a wonderful opportunity meets a wonderful soul, flowers are bound to grow.