“I’ve lived a good life and did everything that I wanted to do, but I feel like I was letting myself down by not doing what I know I could potentially do for a very long time.”
Growing up in California’s Bay Area, Theresa* quickly realized at a young age how dangerous her hometown of Oakland was becoming. The environment pushed her to prioritize her academics as a youth and she felt the need to give back to her community through volunteering at St. Vincent’s, which fed thousands of low-income and homeless communities in Oakland.
She had high aspirations for herself and aimed to continue learning through higher education. During her first job as a receptionist at a hair salon, she worked to save all her money to go to school, especially after she realized that her parents would not assist her financially.
“I was trying to save as much money as I could for college, but it got too expensive and I didn’t want to keep paying out of pocket as a young adult in my early 20s, working every day of the week.”
The stress of making enough money for school and living expenses piled on Theresa to the point that she suffered from burn out. With a heavy heart, she decided to quit school.
Theresa then got a job in the banking industry, continued to work her way up, started making good money, then transferred companies and did the same thing all over again.
“Then the economy got really bad, and granted, I’m a millennial and I’ve been through two major financial crises as an adult. It’s been rough to say the least.”
In 2015, the rising rents started to price her out of the area she’d called home, so she moved out of California and landed in Phoenix.
Eight years later, Theresa became interested in the semiconductor industry after watching YouTube videos on the new laws created and passed in the Phoenix Valley. After almost 20 years in banking, she was very intrigued by the semiconductor industry’s unique working hours.
“Initially what interested me was the work schedule: compacted 12-hour days, rotating three and four days on-and-off each week. To me that’s super appealing because I want to travel and see other places.”
Theresa started to seriously consider a career change and applied for Maricopa Community College’s semiconductor training but was waitlisted.
“I made decent money doing what I do, and I enjoyed my work, but I wanted something that I could see myself growing with a company and an industry long-term. I think the semiconductor pre-apprenticeship will give me the foundation to get my foot in the door.”
She waited two or three months after her initial application and then was contacted by Fresh Start Women’s Foundation about the semiconductor technician program starting at Estrella Mountain Community College.
She was accepted into the cohort and began the semiconductor course in Spring 2024. Theresa felt thrilled to quickly join such a supportive group of women who were also looking to better their lives.
“I loved the whole program. I’m so grateful to Fresh Start and for meeting the other women in my group. They’re such quality people and I think we can build a professional relationship for life.”
As the initial excitement wore off and she realized what a big task the semiconductor technician program laid in front of her, she kept herself motivated by an internal drive to accomplish the task she set her mind to.
“I knew it would be so exciting to complete the course and feel the energy of accomplishing what I initially envisioned. I set specific goals for myself, and I have a running list of things that I’ve accomplished, so it would be great to add this to the list.”
Getting to that accomplishment wouldn’t come without its challenges. Several years ago, Theresa was involved in a hit-and-run car accident where she rolled into oncoming traffic. The crash affected her experience on the road and made long commutes stressful.
She also felt guilt surrounding her decision to quit school back in 2009 when she was struggling to afford it.
“I had a lot of self-doubt and regrets about pursuing my education… because I haven’t invested that money into my time and self. I feel like I wasted too much time. I’m 37 years old, I’ve lived a good life and did everything that I wanted to do, but I feel like I was letting myself down by not doing what I know I could potentially do for a very long time.”
In the course, she learned that the process of building the Phoenix-area into a long-term microchip location would be an ongoing operation, especially as the workforce skilled up to meet industry needs.
“I have a background in training and leadership, so I see myself progressing into the career and continuing to learn more and move up.”
The course through Fresh Start at EMCC inspired Theresa to look at even more niche careers in the semiconductor industry, like engineering or water reclamation. She also began to consider going back to higher education to complete a two-year or bachelor’s degree.
She encourages other women curious about the semiconductor program to dive in, but be prepared to be challenged.
“You’re going to feel a lot of unsettling emotions just because of the uncertainty of everything… The last four weeks have been really intense, so you have to be prepared for that.”
With the course concluded, Theresa is looking for a career in the semiconductor industry.
“Our professor was amazing. Everyone at Fresh Start was amazing. It’s been a great experience.”