Program helps young women 'Become' what they want

Become X offers a different path for students who want to grow, conquer challenges

By Ray Pitz

The Beaverton Valley Times, Feb 8, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Ray Pitz / Times Newspapers

Janiah Lake, left, manager of the Pearl District Washington Mutual, reviews a check ledger with BecomeX graduates Kassandra Honeywell, Katie Eison-Washington and Melissa Rico. BecomeX teaches career and life skills to young women.

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Melissa Rico vividly recalls attending last spring’s graduation ceremony for the BecomeX program.

Although her mother isn’t fluent in English and couldn’t understand everything her daughter was saying, she was crying as Rico gave her speech.

Rico was part of a small group of young woman who had completed the BecomeX program (Become X Web site), a non-profit organization that provides career and life skills development for young women.

For Rico, moving to the Portland area from California was difficult and she was having a hard time adjusting to her new environment.

“At that point, my self-confidence and self-esteem was really low because I wasn’t graduating from high school,” said Rico, who also is enrolled in the Beaverton School District’s Early College High School at Portland Community College’s Rock Creek Campus.

She thought BecomeX, aimed at young women ages 16 to 29, would be a good fit. And although she hasn’t felt the full impact yet, it’s evident to her mother.

“She sees me as I’ve become a strong woman,” said Rico.

The impetus for BecomeX, which offers its 11-week course in Portland’s Pearl District, came from founder Michele O’Hara in response to the death of her 19-year-old niece who committed suicide.

O’Hara said that in the past several years it has become apparent that society was “failing to provide our young women with the support, validation and skills they need to be strong, happy and confident.”

“Michele’s always had a special place in her heart for young women,” said Anca Micurescu, community relations director for BecomeX. “Our mission statement is to help young women live lives directed by choice, not by circumstance.”

Self-discovery

During the weekly program, students delve into topics like self-discovery, wellness and fitness, self-defense, skin care and makeup, career and college development skills, financial management, personal style and self-expression.

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