Donate
|
New Beginnings  David Chauncey's goal of living his golden years on the open road is achieved with the assistance of a CyberNavigator computer tutor. David Chauncey has had quite a few careers in his 63 years. He taught special education in the Chicago Public Schools for more than four decades, and he also taught swimming, was a hair stylist, and spent two years as a farmer. But in 2012, he decided to make another career change: “Something came over me that said, ‘I’d like to be a truck driver,’” Chauncey said. Using the Chicago Public Library’s computers, Chauncey found a driving school that fit his needs. After earning his commercial driver’s license, Chauncey worked with CyberNavigator, Mosi Kamau, in the Woodson Regional branch to update and perfect his resume and to apply to driving jobs online. "I never knew you could sign an application online,” Chauncey said. “The library helped me out tremendously with resumes, job hunting, and finding information on different jobs, as well as locating family and friends.” Thanks to his CyberNavigator, Chauncey was able to reconnect on Facebook with friends from high school whom he hadn’t seen since graduating. He also enjoys the independent truck driver’s life. In his training he drove through 42 states. “I found out how the beautiful United States is,” he said. “It’s like paradise.” With Kamau’s help, Chauncey applied to 30 trucking companies, and he was accepted to all of them. His large number of acceptances allowed him to chose the job that allowed him to drive long distances giving him the opportunity to see even more of the country. “In my golden years I get to see all 48 states for free, with pay,” Chauncey said. “So this is my blessing now.” We thank our donors whose generous gifts fund the CyberNavigator program, one of the most significant investments of the Library Foundation. There are 46 CyberNavigator computer tutors at select Library branch locations helping individuals become digitally literate and independent. |
|
|