VALDOSTA — While there are many who come to the United States looking for prosperity and opportunity, Ivelisse Torres’ story is unlike theirs.

Torres was born in New York and, when she was  5, her parents moved back to their native home of Puerto Rico (which officially is part of the United States). In Puerto Rico, Torres built a successful life. She married Juan Vazquez, got an associates degree in early childhood education, had two beautiful daughters — Stephanie and Natalie Vazquez — and lived comfortably as a stay-at-home mother due to the success of her husband’s jewelry store.

“My husband supported me,” said Torres.

However, just six years ago, her husband was tragically killed in a car accident. At the time, her daughters were just 9 and 3 years old.

Despite such a life shattering event, Torres knew that she had to continue on for her daughters.

“I had two choices,” said Torres. “Be depressed all my life or move forward.”

While Torres said it was hard, she believes that things always happen for a reason.

“Like I said, it was hard, but you got to do what you got to do,” said Torres.

At the age of 37 in May 2006, Torres came to Valdosta to start a new life.

“My little sister was married to an Air Force guy and they lived here,” said Torres.

Her mother, her older sister and some other family members also lived in Valdosta.

“Everybody is here,” said Torres.

Initially Torres came to the Goodwill Career Center because she needed to learn to speak better English. Because students must learn English in Puerto Rico, she wrote English pretty well, but wasn’t good at interacting with people.

“Puerto Rico is part of the United States, so we have to take English in school,” said Torres. “But our first language is Spanish.”

She took ESL (English as a Second Language) classes at the Career Center and in September of 2006, took a job in the retail store.

In 2010, Torres decided to go back to college to get her degree in psychology.

“I’m nine classes away from finishing my degree,” said Torres.

After working six years in the retail side of Goodwill, her potential was recognized by the Career Center and in July 2012, she was told that she would be moved to her new position as bilingual career center specialist.

“I help all my people find a job,” said Torres.

Torres has a special place in her heart for all people struggling to find a job, but even more so connects with Hispanic people who speak little English and are trying to make it in the United States just as she once had to do.

“I love to help people, that’s my passion,” said Torres. “Because I see them in the same situation as me.

Though working in the Career Center is much different from her previous job in retail, she accepts the new challenges with an open heart.

“It was a big challenge for me,” said Torres. “It’s totally different but I’m glad for the opportunity.”

Though Torres is close to finishing her degree, she plans to stay and grow with Goodwill.

“For me, Goodwill is my family,” said Torres. “They encourage me to finish my degree.”

Though Valdosta is not where Torres was born or raised, she feels as if she has lived here forever.

“I don’t feel a disconnect,” said Torres. “I feel like Valdosta is really, really a part of my life.”

In Valdosta, Torres and her daughters — now 11 and 18 years old — have reached so many goals.

Both Stephanie and Natalie are very fluent in English and Spanish and her oldest, Stephanie, even speaks a third language, French.

Stephanie is a sophomore at Valdosta State University and is studying psychology and criminal justice. She is currently on the dean’s list for her academic achievements. She also takes dance classes at VSU; she has been dancing for four years and has danced at various academies in Valdosta.

Natalie is a sixth-grader at Pine Grove Middle School and plays in the band while maintaining her grades and staying on the honor roll.

“I’m so proud of the job that I’m doing for the both of them,” said Torres.

Both Stephanie and Natalie helped Torres learn English when they first came to Valdosta.

“Especially the little one,” said Torres. “She would say, mommy, mommy, no, this way.”

Torres has come a long way from being a stay-at-home mother in Puerto Rico. She has completely rebuilt her life in Valdosta and now with her new job at the Goodwill Career Center, she will be able to continue to grow in the city that has truly become her home with the people that have become her family.

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