Proud Moment as Employees Graduate with GEDs

Miguel Flores, left, and Damon Marchlewski, right, celebrate their achievement after earning diplomas

Calvin Harris, Commissioner of Sewer and Drainage Services, knows firsthand the value of recognizing talent beyond formal credentials. When he discovered that two of his employees hadn’t earned their GEDs, he saw an opportunity to support their growth and help them unlock the promise he witnessed in their daily work.

“I’ve always believed in the potential of people beyond what’s on paper,” Harris said. “When I learned Damon and Miguel didn’t have their GEDs, I saw an opportunity, not just for them to grow professionally, but personally. I encouraged them because I knew they possessed the work ethic, intelligence, and drive to succeed. Sometimes people need someone to believe in them and push them in the right direction. I wanted them to see themselves the way I see them, capable and deserving of more.”

For Harris, that encouragement wasn’t just a one-time conversation. He followed through. “I stayed engaged with them regularly, checking in, reminding them of their goals, and helping them see past the stress of the moment,” he said. “I made sure they knew I had their back, whether it was offering encouraging words, helping them stay accountable to their studying and attending class, or just letting them vent on tough days.”

Both employees, Miguel Flores and Damon Marchlewski, earned their GEDs and are now setting their sights on continued growth with the City.

“One of my biggest regrets in life was not finishing high school; I’ve always had the thought of going back, but I was afraid of failing,” Flores said. “Once I got into the City, that’s when my mindset started to shift. I decided I wasn’t going to let the challenges of my past stop me from reaching my full potential. I wanted to show my kids that even if you’ve failed in the past it’s never too late to undo your wrongs and create a better future for yourself and family.”

Flores said Harris played a major role in turning that desire into action. “The encouragement I received from my supervisor, Calvin, was a turning point in my decision to pursue my GED,” he said. “Calvin not only believed in my ability to succeed but also showed me the kind of tough love I needed. He held me accountable and wasn’t afraid to push me when I started to doubt myself. I’ll never forget when he told me, ‘I know you can do this, but it’s on you to put in the work. I’m here to help, but you’ve got to show up for yourself first.’ His tough love was exactly what I needed. It helped me face my doubts head-on and realize that I had the power to make this happen if I fully committed. It wasn’t easy, but his support and guidance has made all the difference.”

Flores added, “Calvin has been a great mentor, and I hope to one day have the same positive impact on others that he’s had on me.”Marchlewski said his motivation was personal and generational.“I decided it was the right time to get my GED because I wanted to prove to myself that I could get my GED and show my kids that it’s never too late to achieve your goals or better yourself,” he said.

Harris’s personal experience helped make that connection.“Calvin’s encouragement made a big difference in this because he just recently got his GED in 2010,” Marchlewski said. “Since then he has achieved a lot in his career and life. Showing me that it’s never too late to start.”

Both employees are now setting their sights on the future.

“Now that I’ve earned my GED, I’m focused on advancing within my job with the City,” Flores said. “While it may seem like a big leap, my ultimate goal in the future is to step into a foreman position. My accomplishment is more than just earning a diploma, it’s about proving to myself that with the right support, I can overcome challenges and achieve my goals.”

Marchlewski added, “Now that I’ve earned my GED, I would like to continue my career with the City of Toledo. There are so many opportunities for me to move up and advance my career. I’m going to continue thriving and growing.”

For Harris, the reward is in watching others realize their potential.“It’s incredibly rewarding,” Harris said. “Watching them take that next step, knowing how much they’ve overcome, makes me proud, not just of them, but to have had a small part in their journey. It’s more than just a piece of paper, it represents hard work, growth, and new opportunities. And it reminds me that investing in people, really seeing them and encouraging them, can change lives.”