Mireya Antunez-Quebrado's Story

Mireya Antunez-Quebrado's story is a great example of where human wisdom and will can take you. In 2005, at the age of fifteen, in route from a small Mexican town to the US migrant work camps, she was faced with two enormous changes at once: a different culture and language. At school for the first time, she had problems understanding because everything was in English. But despite the difficulties, Mireya strove to overcome them. She persevered with untiring diligence and a dictionary in hand and bridged the language barrier by constantly studying and doing homework driven by her desire for success. One obstacle after another appeared in the way of Mireya, but she never wavered from her purpose. Intending to achieve academic excellence, she went on to earn an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice, where she graduated with honors. And still, Mireya had to face all kinds of problems when it came time for her to find work. The decision about which way to go in life as well as her career path itself could lead only to more confusion until she found both guidance and helping hands at OIC.

For Mireya, OIC of Washington provided her not just with career advice but also a life preserver for every aspect of her world. Through their counseling and training, she improved her professional skills, prepared and mailed out tailored resumes, practiced for interviews, and gradually mastered the intricacies of a job hunt. They also gave Mireya more than professional advice; their spirit of community meant that she felt a sense of belonging which helped her to continue chasing after her dreams.

Now, after 10 years of involvement with OIC, she serves as a commercial vehicle enforcement officer with the Washington State Patrol in Pasco, WA. Mireya is a model of hope and toughness, attributing her achievements not only to external support and values instilled in her but also to her internal strength because they have instilled in her a strong sense of giving back. Mireya's story is a powerful reminder that with perseverance and the right aid, no obstacle is insurmountable. It serves as a beacon of hope for the future and inspires others struggling with their own challenges and circumstances. Mireya's motto or guiding philosophy is persistence against adversity. She also actively promotes it to others in her community, who face similar struggles they call a ‘challenge'. Her story far surpasses what she has individually achieved through hard work and spans the arc of human experience anyone who has dared to dream large and doggedly persevered against all odds.

By telling her story, Mireya hopes to encourage others to take advantage of opportunities and to strive for their goals just as OIC guided her towards hers. Her message is clear: resilience, determination, and a supportive community can transform one's aspirations into reality.

Posted October 09, 2024