From Burnout to Breakthrough

When Graciela P. first visited Independence, Kansas, in 2020, she didn’t expect to stay. After years of working in Mexico’s public education system, mornings in preschool and afternoons in elementary classrooms, she was experiencing burnout. What began as a short trip to visit friends quickly turned into a longer stay when the COVID-19 pandemic brought everything to a halt.

“I lived in the center of Mexico,” Graciela says. “Now, I live in the heart of the U.S. I truly feel like I’m meant to be here.”

Back home, she had earned a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees in education and psychology, and an associate degree. But restarting her career in a new country came with challenges. Graciela spent time in both Shawnee and Overland Park before relocating to Wichita, where she worked in a warehouse role at DHL for several months. Though grateful for the job, she knew she was capable of more.

That’s when she came across a video ad for NexStep Alliance, a partnership with Goodwill Industries of Kansas and WSU Tech. Curious and hopeful, she signed up for English classes and embarked on a new chapter.

“It was hard. So much work, long days… sometimes I’d skip meals just to keep going,” she remembers. “But I wanted to grow. I wanted to feel safe and fulfilled.”

Her determination didn’t go unnoticed. With strong attendance and grades, Graciela became one of our Emily Compton Scholarship recipients. Once she reached the English placement score required to explore additional programs, her Student Success Coach at NexStep encouraged her to consider a career training path. But Graciela had something else in mind: returning to her passion, education.

Recognizing her background, NexStep staff supported her in launching a degree transfer process — the first of its kind at the school. With encouragement from her success coach and the NexStep team, she pushed forward. In May 2024, she interviewed for a role with Goodwill Industries of Kansas. By July, she was hired as a Student Success Coach within our program, NexStep Alliance.

“Goodwill gave me everything — the opportunity, the education, the push I needed,” she says. “They helped me reach the American Dream. I’m so thankful.”

Now based at the Opportunity Center and actively involved in the Latino community, Graciela helps others step into their potential.

“To our students, I say: You can do the same. Take that first step — you can learn more and be successful. Miracles happen.”