Learning Beyond Limits: Adults Share Stories of Growth and Success
“Wherever we are in our lives, not only are we taking these classes to help us individually, but individually our presence is helping each other,” shares Poetica, one of Honickman Learning Center Comcast Technology Lab’s (HLCCTL) adult learners.
The Adult Education and Employment Program is more than meets the eye. Not only does it provide transformative courses to propel each learner professionally; It offers innovation and inspires adults to thrive in the digital world. Simple computer skills may seem second nature, but for others, it has expanded their reach toward opportunities they didn’t know were possible.
"It made it really possible for me to get better and do greater things and, get past some of the things I was dealing with.” Born and raised in Philadelphia, Poetica has always been drawn to the arts. She’s attended multiple schools for their art programs and is constantly chasing new ways to express her creativity. “Anywhere there's art, that's where you'll find me.”
She frequently visits her mom, who lives in the same neighborhood as HLCCTL but didn’t know it existed until recently. After making her way through the front doors, Poetica grabbed some flyers about upcoming courses and decided to enroll. “The music production class was one of the first classes I took. Immersing myself in these classes, what was everything for me. Going in there and spending as much time with headphones one listening to beats that I made.”
Fast forward nearly two years and Poetica has taken eight courses at our facility. Now she’s using her new skills in unique ways, including lending her voice to thousands of listeners in the Philadelphia area. “I started working with this radio station called ‘Uptown’. I was already volunteering and supporting some of their shows, but then I kind of became a super producer. Now I do a show every day there. Working with HLCCTL and Joe Venuti [Digital Music Instructor] just being able to come there and put all of my concepts and ideas, it made me more self-sufficient.” Poetica considers herself a life-long learner and has no plans of ever stopping.
Andrea is another adult learner who only recently discovered the plethora of adult courses available at HLCCTL. “I was very, very pleased with the friendliness of the staff, as well as the resources that are offered here. I could not believe the degree of resources that were offered here and they're free.” From basic computer skills to DJ-ing and forklift certifications, there’s a little something for everyone. “There are things that can help you personally and/or professionally,” adds Andrea.
At first Andrea, who lives in West Philadelphia, was a little hesitant about enrolling. She had an interest in podcasting but struggled to understand where to start. After a colleague shared a flyer with more information about the podcasting course, she took a leap of faith and applied. “I literally registered for the classes and put it in my calendar. I told myself I'm going to make the sacrifice for the entire month of September to focus on this.”
Andrea’s glad she made the commitment because it gave her the guidance and confidence to create her own podcast. “It was absolutely amazing -- the entire experience.” She finished the course strong with her first episode recorded and a plan for executing more content on her own. “To leave and have my first session recorded and professionally done, it brought me to tears. I was definitely overwhelmed, because dedicating my time and having someone to be patient, to guide you, to let you move at your own pace, to not force you, but to encourage you.”
Since then, Andrea has applied to some other courses including ServSafe Food Handler and ServSafe Manager, and public speaking. She is even considering getting her forklift certification. “I don't know what I would want to do with it, but just gaining the new experience and exposing your brain to something new is great,” says Andrea. She appreciates the variety of classes offered and enjoys the opportunity to challenge herself. “Every time I walk in this building, there's always a flyer that appeals to me."
Aside from the technical skills, Andrea says she regained her courage to learn while at HLCCTL. “The year 2025 for me is the year of opportunity, the year of newness, and the year of trying things.” She’s still making strides with her podcast and tries to spread the word in hopes that other adults will take advantage of HLCCTL's resources. “It's important to invest in yourself to some degree and to develop a mindset of being a life learner. Being able to access programs and workshops and things that enhance your skills can only be a benefit to you.”
What began as a source of anxiety quickly became a place of comfort. Andrea recalls coming in one day with a lot on her mind and stumbling into the cafeteria where they had coloring books to help learners decompress. She goes on to say, “It was like a two for one. I was here to learn, but then I was also in a place of safety and calming at the same time. This environment allowed me to say I'd come back again, and even if I don't feel good.”
Nephtali, who goes by Neph, is a Project HOME resident and one of HLCCTL’s most seasoned adult learners. He’s been coming to the building for a couple of years and appreciates every chance he’s given to grow and advance. “I took a computer basics course. I took a certified peer specialist course and graduated. I did that, and now I have opportunities for anything. Like, to get jobs.” Similar to Andrea’s sentiment, Neph felt welcomed with open arms and admired the staff’s ability to meet each learner where they are. “[I’m] used to getting doors shut. It's crazy to think about the impact they've [HLCCTL staff] had on your life and so many other lives,” explains Neph.
Fast forward to 2025, and Neph is enrolled in his fourth semester at the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP). He gives credit to God and the staff at HLCCTL for assisting him throughout the enrollment process and studying his passion. “Jamie Deni [an employment specialist at HLCCTL] put me in community college, and I'm 61. Jamie did that because she knew I used to draw. I make art.”
He has a major in art design and is on track to receive his associate's degree next year. Neph has always had an eye for art and enjoys bringing his creativity to life through paintings. He finds it to be therapeutic and a beautiful outlet of expression. “I know someone who was going through a lot of stuff, but once she picked up the colored pencils, I saw the calmness. And that is why I believe it will affect change.”
Neph recalls his feelings while picking up a paintbrush and transforming a blank canvas into a work of art -- tranquility, peace and focus. Art has been a monumental tool that’s aided Neph through some of his darkest days. And he wants to use his degree to share that experience with others. “I want to get a degree so I can do art therapy,” says Neph. “With a degree I can get a grant, and with that grant, I'll be able to go to these drug and alcohol programs and offer this. That was the plan for that. It wasn't just to learn how to draw it was with a goal intended to help people struggling with [substance use disorder.]”
Neph thinks back to his life five years ago when some of his daily stressors were finding a safe place to sleep and figuring out what to eat. “Five years ago, I had to drag a mattress to an abandoned building and it's a different story today.” He holds back tears while reflecting on his journey to permanent housing and education. At 61 years old he’s still striving for greatness and wants others to know that the sky is the limit when you have access to resources and a thirst for knowledge. “People do change and I'm just living proof of that. I owe that to God and Project HOME.”
