RAMP Marianna Participants Complete Phase Four

Residents enrolled in RAMP (Rising Apartment Management Professionals) Marianna recently completed Phase Four Training, another milestone as they prepare for careers in the property management industry.

Management Track: Held at Marianna Crossings on July 21–22, the two-day Management Training was led by David Speed, Systems Specialist. Participants included Kylena D. Brown (Three Rivers), Courtney Howard (Graceland Manor), and Shaneka Kent (Graceland Manor). The course introduced participants to the fundamentals of property management, including operations, customer service, fair housing, risk management, and professional skills.

Maintenance Track: William Dobson (Cottondale Apartments) completed the Maintenance Track with Antwan Atchison, Regional Maintenance Specialist, receiving hands-on instruction in maintenance operations and successfully completing the program’s Maintenance Assessment. Training was held at Cottondale Apartments and emphasized property maintenance, inspections, safety, unit turns, and shop organization.

By combining classroom instruction with real-world experience, the RAMP Marianna Dual Enrollment Program in Jackson County prepares participants to apply for entry-level property management positions and begin building long-term careers in the affordable housing industry.

Please enjoy these special words written by Antwan Atchison who had the privilege of witnessing and assisting in RAMP Maintenance Participant, William Dobson’s success:

John F. Kennedy once said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

I had the honor of presenting a Certificate of Completion to a graduate of the RAMP (Rising Apartment Maintenance Professionals) Program. William Dobson is a great example of what it means to follow through on a promise made to oneself.

William wasn’t supposed to finish. He wasn’t expected to finish. He even shared that he has never finished what he started. However, he made a promise to himself that he would follow through and complete his internship in the mentor program.

When I presented him with his certificate, William was overcome with emotion. We embraced, and through watery eyes, he uttered the words, “I finished. I’m going to tell the world. I want my family to know what I have achieved.”

William started the program alongside others, but he was the only one to finish. What an incredible accomplishment and show of personal growth.

As we navigate this journey called life, we should always remind ourselves that we are more than what others expect of us. We are more capable than we often believe, and we can achieve things we once thought impossible.

William’s story is a reminder that success is not determined by where you start, what others think you can do, or even your past experiences. Success comes from making a commitment to yourself and honoring it. William proved that perseverance, determination, and belief in oneself can turn a promise into an achievement worth celebrating.

Congratulations, William. Your accomplishment speaks for itself, and your story will inspire others to keep going, even when the odds seem stacked against them.

– Antwan Atchison, Regional Maintenance Specialist