Graduation Spotlight: Gisell Solis—A Future Pediatric Occupational Therapist in the Making

Gisell Solis—A Future Pediatric Occupational Therapist in the Making Graduation Spotlight Meet Gisell Solis, an inspiring E@W senior who recently graduated from UTEP with a degree in Rehabilitation Sciences. While balancing her studies and working with our Discover Financial Services team, Gisell developed key professional skills, built lasting relationships, and gained the confidence to pursue her dreams. This fall, she’ll begin her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy with a goal of becoming a pediatric occupational therapist. Read on to learn how E@W helped Gisell grow personally and professionally on her journey to graduation. At Education at Work, we love celebrating our student employees’ milestones—and today, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Gisell Solis, a recent graduate from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). On May 17th, 2025, Gisell earned her Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Sciences with a concentration in Occupational Therapy—a major that reflects her compassion, resilience, and desire to make a lasting impact. Gisell first learned about Education at Work through a friend who spoke highly of the experience and flexibility the program offered. Intrigued by the opportunity to balance meaningful work with her academic priorities, she took a closer look and was inspired by how student-driven E@W’s model truly is. “It felt like the perfect fit,” she said. “The flexibility was important, but what really drew me in was knowing this was a program built with students in mind.” Gisell joined the Discover Financial Services team at E@W, where she quickly became known for her professionalism and positivity. Throughout her time with us, she developed critical career skills like communication, time management, and problem-solving, especially in high-pressure situations. But more than just building a strong skill set, Gisell found something even more valuable: confidence in herself and her ability to grow. “E@W taught me how to approach challenges head-on. I became more confident in my abilities and learned how to manage my time and responsibilities in a way that helped me succeed both at work and in school,” she reflected. Gisell often spoke about the positive and supportive culture at E@W. She loved getting to know her coworkers, collaborating on tasks, and celebrating team wins—whether big or small. The camaraderie and sense of community helped her stay motivated, even during demanding times in her academic journey. And the guidance she received from E@W mentors played a pivotal role in her growth. “My mentors always encouraged me to keep pushing forward and to look at every challenge as an opportunity to grow,” she said. “That support really made a difference.” This fall, Gisell is taking the next step toward her dream—pursuing her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at UTEP. Her ultimate goal? To become a pediatric occupational therapist and help children build the skills they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives. We are incredibly proud of Gisell and everything she’s accomplished. Her dedication, heart, and leadership embody what Education at Work is all about. Congratulations, Gisell—we can’t wait to see what you achieve next!   Linkedin Facebook Instagram Youtube

Graduation Spotlight: Harold Trufant’s Journey from Student to Future Entrepreneur

Harold Trufant’s Journey from Student to Future Entrepreneur Graduation Spotlight Meet Harold Trufant, a standout E@W student who exemplifies the power of combining education with real-world experience. A recent graduate of the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Harold earned both his Bachelor’s in Marketing and Master’s in Finance while working as a Product Expert with Intuit through Education at Work. In this spotlight, Harold reflects on how E@W helped him build confidence, sharpen problem-solving skills, and gain career clarity—all within a supportive and flexible environment. His journey is one of growth, mentorship, and momentum toward a promising future. Education at Work (E@W) is proud to celebrate Harold Trufant, one of our exceptional graduating seniors. On May 18th, Harold crossed the stage at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, earning not just one, but two degrees—a Bachelor’s in Marketing and a Master of Science in Finance. His achievement marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and a passion for both learning and growth. Harold’s journey with E@W began earlier this year when he discovered the opportunity to work as a Product Expert with Intuit through our program. He was immediately drawn to the chance to gain hands-on experience while still in school—something that aligned perfectly with his drive to strengthen his problem-solving skills and better prepare for life after graduation. “I was eager to take on something that would push me out of my comfort zone,” Harold shared. “I wanted to grow, not just academically, but professionally.” During his time at E@W, Harold thrived in a role that required both adaptability and empathy. As a Product Expert, he helped customers navigate complex issues with patience and professionalism. One of the highlights of his experience was knowing he made a difference—especially when he could sense a customer “smiling over the phone” after resolving their concern. “Working for E@W helped me think on my feet and strengthened my communication skills,” he said. “These were things I could immediately apply in the classroom, whether it was presenting, participating in discussions, or collaborating on group projects.” Beyond skill-building, Harold credits his E@W mentors with helping him develop confidence and expand his professional network. The encouragement and support he received allowed him to take on new challenges, build strong relationships, and shape a clearer vision of his career path. He described E@W as the “ideal undergraduate job”—thanks to its flexibility, positive environment, and focus on student growth. Since completing his degrees, Harold has already received two full-time job offers—testament to the value of the experience he gained through E@W. Looking ahead, he’s excited to apply his marketing and finance background in the workforce and ultimately pursue his dream of becoming an entrepreneur. Harold’s story reflects the mission of Education at Work: to empower students with meaningful work experiences that prepare them for career success. Congratulations, Harold—we’re proud to be part of your journey! Learn More Linkedin Facebook Instagram Youtube