Liljana Alimadhi and NTR's Tech-Redi Program

Philadelphia January, 2010

When I first came to NTR, I did not know what to expect. Very soon I learned that the Tech-Redi program is where I belonged. They help people like me to obtain different certifications in the computer field, A+ included.

Every day I was learning new things about computers in all areas. Every where I was in classrooms, or  refurbishing area, I started to feel  different about the place and the opportunity given to me. I got my Digital Literacy certificate and pretty soon I was working on IC3. My mission at NTR changed rapidly. I lost a job opportunity just because I did not know, how to do a power point presentation. (If I only came at NTR one month before!!!).

It is one thing to say that I know how to do something and is another to prove it or have a certificate to back it up. So I took it very seriously and studied every day, trying to learn as much as possible from everybody from everything, even when I tore down old computers and printers. My knowledge in computers was like everybody else but I always wanted to learn more about them. A+ certification was getting closer than I ever dreamed of, all I needed was time.

My whole life was changing. I actually was doing something that I always wanted. I started to forget that I was in this place because I was in public assistance. I felt I was regular person. I was going to ”work” every day trying to get the most of it, early morning, short lunches, and late afternoons. I was feelling different. Four months later one test after another suddenly I am A+ Certified. Time goes fast when you have a purpose and work for it.

Today I am A+ certified. I still cannot believe it. Was it hard? Absolutely! But I did not do it by myself. I had a lot of help and support. I did it because other people like Chuck and Pete believed in me more than I believed in myself.

NTR is a modest institution and nobody promises impossible things but everybody that works there has a big heart and is very helpful in one way or another. People like me get knowledge for life and options for better opportunities. At least, I do not have to ask somebody else to fix my computer or what should I spend to buy a new computer.

As Brian always said to me “Learning is a process,” I am in a process of learning about computers and other things and it does not end here. The bottom line is finding a job and this is my ultimate mission. I am still looking for one, I have not found it yet but I am a lot closer than I ever was before I came to NTR.

I want to thank all NTR staff for your help and support. It was such a great experience. I will never forget it. Tech-Redi is a great program. I hope more people get the opportunity to explore it.

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Editors Note: Liljana Alimadhi earned the equivalent of a Bachelors Degree in Geophysics Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Tirana, Albania. Since coming to the U. S. she held various positions as a bookkeeper and banquet server. She obtained her U. S. Citizenship at the same time she was studying for her A+ certificate at NTR. The A+ certificate qualifies a person as a computer technician. Congratulations!!!