Eva Conley joined the workforce at age 16, at a time when most of her friends were flirting with boys, trying the latest fashions, and worrying about the multitude of things that teenagers consider important.

After four years of working long hours at unsatisfying low-wage jobs, she was able to improve her earning power and find a career she loves, with some help from the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program administered locally by Big Sandy Area Community Action Program (BSACAP).

"My first job was at a fast food restaurant in Paintsville," recalled Eva. "I did a little bit of everything in that job, and I probably waited on just about everybody in Johnson County."

The money came in handy for a struggling high school student, but Eva really did not care for the work. "I worked with some really nice people, but I knew that I didn't want to do that kind of work for the rest of my life."

Despite finding the work uninspiring, Eva stayed with the job, and even took a second one at Wal-Mart during her senior year at Johnson Central High School.

"I moved out of my parents' home right after graduation," said Eva. "I worked both jobs. During the day, I would work at Wal-Mart for eight hours, and then go to the restaurant. The way my schedule was set up, I never had a day off. I worked seven days a week."

Throughout, Eva clung to the hope that good things would happen.

In January 2005, she learned from a friend about WIA, a service that helps young people prepare for professional careers. The WIA program-administered locally by BSACAP with funding from the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP), Inc.-provides area youth with opportunities for paid work experience, classroom training, job search assistance, and other activities that help them meet the economic and social challenges of adulthood.

"I wasn't prepared for the real world," said Eva. "I had been focused on just graduating and working to just get by. When I heard what WIA could do for me, it was all I could think about. I wanted to be in the program so bad!"

After meeting with BSACAP staff to assess her needs, Eva enrolled in a workshop that taught her job readiness and workplace skills and helped her identify the careers that might suit her best.

Upon completing the workshop, Eva participated in a paid work experience assignment as a medical office assistant at Highlands Clinic in Floyd County arranged by her WIA career advisor. During her 12-week assignment, Eva was oriented to all aspects of working in a medical office environment. She became proficient at record keeping, maintaining patient files, scheduling, and other related tasks. More importantly, Eva discovered a job that she truly enjoyed.

"I loved it," Eva said excitedly, with a beaming smile on her face. "I didn't know you could be so happy working."

Just as Eva's life seemed to be coming together, things got even better.

"While I was working at Highlands, the girls in the office told me about a job opening for a medical assistant at Big Sandy Surgical Practice, a clinic just across the street," said Eva. "I applied, was interviewed, and hired the same day!"

Eva is now employed full-time at the clinic, and enjoys a good salary, along with a full range of benefits.

Despite her career improvement, she hasn't slowed her pace any. Eva is now enrolled in the Medical Assistant program at Big Sandy Community and Technical College and expects to complete her degree in 2008. She has also gotten engaged to a young man from Paintsville, and they hope to be married in a couple of years.

"I never thought I would be where I am today," said Eva. "I'm 21-years-old, and my life couldn't be any better. Participating in the WIA program has helped me more than anyone will ever know. I am so thankful."