Shortly after arriving in Wilmington in 2016, Buc was let go from his position and found himself unemployed. During his job search, he was introduced to StepUp Wilmington by his case manager at NCWorks.
His journey began with Jobs Week, and after getting hired, he continued onto the nine-month life skills workshop, Step2.
“I’ve done the entire program. I previously taught some of those components before so when you get to hear them from someone else, no matter your background, it’s good to have them reinforced while also creating that network and new community,” Buc said. “It made it that much more empowering.”
One of the many things that stuck out to him during his time with StepUp was watching the journey of everyone, including himself, go from the job they have to the job they want. Buc also acknowledged the stories shared during programs that brought the group together.
“We’re all storytellers so getting to hear other people’s narratives and finding similarities in your own story was powerful.”
Buc is now the Education Navigator at Cape Fear Community College where he is working to “connect the community to college and the college to the community” in hopes of getting more residents back to school and into continuing education or vocational programs.
To those looking for work, he advises, “I’m now a part of the StepUp family and I highly encourage anyone to go through the programs. It’s a great way to get to know the community and for employers to get to know you.”
Join us at 6pm on September 19th to celebrate Buc and his fellow graduates at the Step2 Graduation taking place at Gilmour Hall in First Presbyterian Church.
RSVP to Ashanti@StepUpWilmington.org
Why a Job is Sometimes Not Enough
