Chris dropped out of school when he was 16 years old and attending high school in Pendleton. He recalls that his life was “alright”, but he got into a pattern of skipping school and struggled with classmates and bullying.
He made a move to McMinnville. He had a PO at this point who suggested he look into YOOP to finish school. One YOOP staff in particular “connected with him”. This was important to his continuing on his way, working on his diploma with YOOP. At this time he was looking to finish his diploma and obtain a driver’s license along with a job. Chris recalled that YOOP “Staff was always there for me.”
When COVID came along it also took its toll like it did for many youth. Chris had trouble adjusting to online education and transportation to YOOP was a challenge, but he did finish his Diploma just before turning 18. While he was working on his diploma, he also began exploring the idea of a construction job and did a job shadow with this in mind. Chris had a series of jobs, most not lasting very long. He was a farmworker, McDonald’s service worker, a temp worker, and he worked in food production with a couple of companies. His current job is Sanitation Operator at a Hazelnut processing plant.
Chris had a unique opportunity that interested him. He performed a YOOP Job Shadow of the Legislative Assistant at the office for Legislative Representative, Lucetta Elmer. This experience piqued his interest in the world of politics.
Now he is 21. He is still actively working toward his goals! He says that his “successes in life” were getting his diploma and his daughter! He also says “If you wanna get back on track with your education, YOOP would be the place to go!”
