Kayla Ssendikwanawa: Exceeding Expectations
This speech was originally delivered on January 22, at Year Up Wilmington’s graduation for Cohort 5.
Before Year Up, I had just graduated from Concord High School. Running track and working full time at Old Navy were my everyday life. I knew I wanted to continue my education, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I also knew I wasn’t ready to go to school for 4 years yet, so I took a break. Around September of 2018, my mom presented the Year Up program to me. Her former co-worker had explained to her what Year Up was all about, but I didn’t go for it. I was not looking forward to cutting back on hours at Old Navy to receive a stipend of $100 every two weeks when I can make that in one day. We all know how social media is. Every single time I opened Instagram, there was Year Up.
I ignored it for about 2 weeks, but then I did some research. I was still skeptical but thought, “Why not give it a shot”? Nothing beats a failure but a try; and this was me trying. I interviewed for the program in the middle of October 2018, and October 31st I get a call from Year Up’s Admissions and College Enrollment manager, Mike W, around 6pm. My initial thoughts were “why is someone calling me on Halloween?” It turns out I was receiving the call to inform me that I was accepted into the program! On the phone I was cool and calm, but as soon as we were off the phone, I screamed at the top of my lungs with joy! At the time, I didn’t realize why I was so excited, but now I know it’s because if I didn’t listen to my gut and give Year Up a shot, I wouldn’t be where I am today, on this stage, telling my story to all of you tonight.
Throughout the learning and development phase, I was taught how to conduct myself in a corporate environment, from the way I speak, to the way I dress, to my occasional sarcastic facial expressions, that I may — or may not — still be working on. I learned how to stay patient and gained skills that I would have never learned effectively if it weren’t for the dedicated Year Up staff. Fast forward to the internship phase, I was so nervous to meet new people. It isn’t my cup of tea to go out and meet new people, just like me standing here speaking to a room full of people isn’t, either. But thanks to Year Up, I’ve learned to step out of my comfort zone. I interned at Bank of America, and my team was wonderful. Not once was I treated as if I was a “newbie.” Everything I was taught, I learned with a snap of a finger. Manager reviews also showed me that I was doing wonderful at internship. However, I didn’t always feel the same for myself. A couple months in, I felt as if I failed myself in the program. I wanted to give up.
My motivation at internship was to graduate and exceed expectations in all areas. I was facing homelessness, dealing with my dad possibly being deported, and my grandmother being in and out of the hospital. I once turned my timesheet in late, which was a huge let down, because it impacted my goal of exceeding expectations.
“Disappointed” was an understatement of how I felt, and I really beat myself up over it. My mentor at Bank of America, Brenda, sat me down and explained that I shouldn’t be so hard on myself. I had too much going on to be upset over something so small. Still, I wanted to give up because it wasn’t something so small to me. I wanted to quit. I felt as though I slacked a little bit on my work, and that conversion wasn’t even a possibility anymore. I was wrong.
I interviewed for the position I am in now on November 21st.
November 25th, I found out I got the job.
November 26th, my dad was deported to Africa.
November 27th, my grandmother transitioned from this life.
The unconditional support I received from staff at Year Up as well as Bank of America was astonishing. I appreciated it very much because I didn’t know how to feel. Yes, I was ecstatic I got the job and was converted early, but I was also upset at the world around me. The support I received encouraged me to keep going. I’m so thankful for the Year Up program because honestly, I don’t know where I would be without it. Before I was hired on at Bank of America, my plans after Year Up was to solely continue school. Now that I have been hired, I plan to continue school, as well as use my skills learned through Year Up in the workforce. I want to say thank you Year Up for the opportunity of a lifetime. I would have never imagined my 2019 year to turn out the way it did.
Here’s an update from Kayla on what she’s up to now:
I’m currently under escheatment operations in unclaimed property. My favorite thing about working here [at Bank of America] is the inclusiveness. They don’t leave anyone out of anything, and they always want everyone to participate in events, which reminds me of Year Up.
My biggest accomplishment lately has been the purchase of my new car!
Overall, I feel good after graduation. I’m very thankful to have been given the opportunity of a lifetime that paves the way for my future career. I’m so eager to interact with the future cohorts!
