Aaliayah was searching for stability in her life before she came to YouthBuild. She had her high school diploma but found herself jumping from job to job. “I had the time to commit to the program. I wasn’t working and knew I needed to make a change, so I figured why not try it out.” She had heard of the program through a friend, and they both decided to apply together. “YouthBuild prepped me for going back to school. They taught me the importance of professionalism and how to properly conduct an interview,” Aaliayah said. “They gave me hope that I can achieve what I want to achieve and to not be scared to go back to school or get a different job to better myself.”  Aaliayah is currently enrolled in the Transform Lake County scholarship program at the College of Lake County, working towards her Healthcare Administrative Assistant Certificate. She recently joined the team at YouthBuild Lake County as the Recruitment and Alumni Coordinator. She is recruiting new youth to the program who are in the same place in life she once was. “Everything I am doing now is a steppingstone to my next goal–– buying a house. I love being able to still have the support from YouthBuild not only as an alumnus, but as a staff member as well. YouthBuild sticks with you and when push comes to shove, you remember what they taught you. YouthBuild really makes that impact on your life.”