From Overcoming Adversity to Achieving Dreams: Johanne’s Journey in the IET Welding Cohort
Posted by katie.weibel
We are excited to share the inspiring story of Johanne, a student in the Integrated Education and Training (IET) Welding program at Portland Community College (PCC), who will be graduating the program in Winter 2025. Johanne’s journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of both technical training and language acquisition through PCC’s Career Pathways and STEP programs.
Johanne’s story began far from the United States. She arrived here in February 2024, just months before beginning the IET Welding cohort in September 2024. Her path has been anything but easy—she faced incredible hardship in her early years. Her mother abandoned her at the age of 3, and her father passed away when she was just 6. Despite these challenges, Johanne was raised by her aunt, who provided her with love and support. “Even if you’ve had it very hard, you still have many dreams,” Johanne said. “I didn’t let my reality catch me.”
Before moving to the U.S., Johanne had a successful career in her home country, where she worked as a secretary at a large company. Her hard work and dedication led to a swift promotion to HR Manager, where she supervised several managers and solved complex problems daily. Her confidence and leadership skills would later play a significant role in her success at PCC.
Johanne credits much of her growth and confidence to the combination of technical training in the IET Welding program and the support she received through PCC’s ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses. As part of her language learning, Johanne acquired not just the technical vocabulary needed for welding but also the knowledge to better understand U.S. laws and how to protect herself. “ESOL not only helped me speak but also taught me many other things, like the laws and how to protect myself,” she explained. “They showed me how to better serve my country and community.”
The relationships Johanne developed with her classmates in both ESOL and welding classes have also been invaluable. She recalls a moment when she was struggling with a welding project, and a classmate from another cohort stepped up to encourage her and offer help. “The relationships with classmates in both my ESOL and welding classes pushed me up, inspired me, and I learned from them,” she shared.
Additionally, Johanne appreciated the coaching and guidance she received through the PCC Career Pathways & STEP program. She mentioned how her coach, Heather, was always quick to respond to emails and provided support when needed. Johanne credits this personalized coaching with helping her stay focused and on track throughout her journey.
Johanne’s recent mock interview as part of the IET program revealed her remarkable confidence and experience. The interviewer praised her confidence, to which Johanne responded, “Yes! I sat on that side of the table for many years. I know what an interview is about.” This confidence, along with her growing technical skills, has set Johanne on a path to a bright future.
In fact, Johanne coined a phrase for herself that reflects her forward-thinking mindset: “Future’s futurer.” This phrase captures her approach to life—she actively reflects on where she wants to be, takes action, and stays focused on shaping the future she dreams of.
As Johanne prepares to graduate, her advice to other students is simple but powerful: “Stay focused, be confident, and you will have good opportunities.” Her story serves as a powerful reminder that no matter the obstacles, dreams can still be achieved with hard work, determination, and the right support.
We are incredibly proud of Johanne and excited to see the bright future ahead of her. She is a true example of what can be accomplished when you never give up on your dreams, no matter the challenges you face.
