It was about a year and a half ago when I first visited CBT Technology Institute looking for the right school to attend. I had recently graduated High School and I was all set to start college. During my initial call to the school, I was only looking for general information but I ended up making an appointment to see the campus and learned even more about CBT Technology Institute. The Admission representative made me feel welcomed and treated me as a friend. Of course he provided me with all the information about my program of interest but he ended up giving me valuable advice that I will always apply in my life. At the time, I was 18 years old and still learning English; I had just moved from Cuba to the U.S. to build a better life for myself. And to be honest, it was hard for me to be without my family and leave the precious land where I was born and raised my whole life.
My first job in the U.S. was working at a small store earning minimum wage. I could barely pay for my living expenses. Sadly, I had to postpone my dream of going to college, but shortly thereafter, I was told that a position opened at the school for a Call Center Representative and although I did not have telemarketing experience, I got the job!!!!! Since then, I have met many wonderful people who are now my coworkers and great friends.
The first time I received calls from potential students, I was nervous yet excited. I wanted to help other people make a decision that would definitely change their future. I always encouraged everyone to go back to school regardless of their setbacks. I listened to some sad stories, including, single mothers who had to work, go to school, and at the same time, take care of their kids. It is amazing the way I felt every time I gave them hope and I would tell them to keep strong and never give up.
But here I’ll share a funny story with you; I was speaking with a future student and I was still working on my English. At times, I mixed Spanish and English words, creating words that did not really exist. So, at that moment, I was thinking about saying “I will be more than happy to assist you”, but I also had in mind to say “I will be more than glad to assist you”, so, I ended up saying…. “I will be more than GLAPPY to assist you!” The gentleman found it so hilarious that he went from being in a very serious mood to making an appointment to visit the school and there began the journey of another CBT Technology Institute student.
At any rate, within of few months of working at the Call Center, I was promoted to work in the International Division and so here I am sharing my story with you.
Today, I am a Lead Representative for the International Division and I am also a student in the Business Administration Program here at CBT Technology Institute.
My experiences as an employee and student have been truly wonderful. As a student, I gain knowledge that I will be able to use in the future in my professional and personal life. The teachers use different techniques and always relate topics with real life, which makes the classes extremely engaging. We have students from all over the world and I love how fascinating it is to meet people from different cultures. The classes are small, which also allows the instructors to give me the personalized attention I like. The faculty and staff also feel like family. We are always celebrating special occasions! I know I made the perfect choice when I decided to study here at CBT Technology Institute.
And my experience working for the International Division is amazing! It is incredible how I learn something everyday working in this division. I love talking with all the different people from all the various countries and getting to know about their unique cultures. I have found in my conversations with some potential students, that they are not really sure what program they are interested in. Therefore, I always ask them a few questions about their personal likes and dislikes, in order for me to better understand their interests and thus help them choose a program that suits their needs, while putting them on the right path to achieve their dreams of having a better life, just like me. It has become a significant part of me, creating these relationships with students from all over the world. It has been truly rewarding helping others make the same kind of choices I had to make when I left my country. Furthermore, I am very grateful that while I share my experiences with others across the globe, I can also provide guidance and an inside look on what it is like here at CBT Technology Institute and in the United States during a transitional period.
In the end, I feel so blessed that CBT Technology Institute has become more than just my workplace and school, it has become my home. Although, I do not have my family here, I can genuinely say that since I am part of this institution, I never feel lost or alone. CBT Technology Institute has helped me make my dreams come true, as well as, help me create new ones.