Carlos Bibian is pursuing an education at the Springdale Job Corps Center in Troutdale, Oregon.

“I feel very fortunate because I know that not everybody gets a second chance at life,” says Carlos.

His path to Job Corps was not easy. Carlos was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in fifth grade. For four years, he traveled from his home in Hood River to Portland to receive treatment.

“I was so weak, and I lost a lot of muscle. I’d be using my arms to eat, but not using my legs as much.”

It got so bad, Carlos was not able to stand up.

“Learning how to walk again,” he says, “was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I had a lot of doubts and at times I wanted to give up.”

But family and friends encouraged him to push forward, and he did, beating the cancer!

As a high school student, Carlos had an interest in auto mechanics. His school toured the Springdale Job Corps, and Carlos knew it was right for him. He enrolled in the auto body and repair program and is working toward advanced career training. He’s giving it his all and knows Job Corps will make a lasting difference in his life.

“Now is an opportunity to push myself. I’ve had cancer, so I think it’s possible for me to reach my goals as long as I push myself.”