“I have my CDL now, and nobody can ever take that from me.”
A New Direction: Talha Wakfield’s Journey to a New Career
At 24 years old, Talha Wakfield has already learned that life does not always follow the path you originally planned, but a change in direction can lead to an even greater opportunity.
In 2020, Talha left Philadelphia to attend Mayville State University in North Dakota on a football scholarship. Although the transition from city life to the rural Midwest was a major adjustment, being away from home allowed him to concentrate on school and football. He completed his freshman and sophomore years while studying sports science and paying for many of his own expenses.
After experiencing the loss of his grandmother and later learning that his mother was ill, Talha decided not to return for his third year. He came home in 2022 and spent the next few years working, including in carpet cleaning and restoration. That position required him to drive throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware and helped him recognize that driving could become a long-term career.
Talha wanted work that would provide financial stability without continuing to take a physical toll on his body. While researching his options, he discovered Goodwill’s free CDL training program.
In November 2025, while on vacation in South Carolina, he contacted Ms. Mary to learn more. She responded almost immediately, gave him a date to report to the program, and Talha showed up ready to begin.
Finding a New Path
Walking into the classroom initially felt like the first day at a new school. Other students were already familiar with one another, and Talha was focused primarily on completing the training and moving forward.
However, the welcoming environment created by Ms. Mary and Ms. Serena quickly made a difference. Within a week, he began participating, connecting with his classmates and working alongside them.
“Everybody came together,” Talha shared. “We started helping each other out, and I think that’s what got us through the program faster.”
The program provided Talha with much more than the technical knowledge needed to earn his CDL. From the first day, Ms. Mary emphasized that students were expected to treat the program like a job. Attendance, punctuality, communication, preparation and accountability were all essential.
Talha learned to plan ahead, arrive on time and come prepared, habits that continue to help him succeed in his current position.
Opening the Door to Opportunity
His commitment paid off. Talha earned his CDL and secured employment, opening the door to a stable career with opportunities across the country.
The financial impact has already been significant, allowing him to support himself, assist his siblings and help the people around him.
“They changed my life,” Talha said of Ms. Mary and Ms. Serena. “They opened the door to a new career. I have my CDL now, and nobody can ever take that from me. I can get a job anywhere in the country. They gave me a way to feed my family, and I am forever grateful.”
Talha now regularly meets drivers who completed Ms. Mary’s program 20 or even 30 years ago. Those encounters remind him of the program’s lasting impact and the many lives it has changed. He hopes to continue that legacy by encouraging others to take advantage of the same opportunity.
There Is Always a Way Forward
The experience also taught Talha that it is never too late to make a positive change. Training beside students of many different ages showed him that everyone has the ability to begin again.
“Don’t ever give up on yourself or feel too down on yourself,” he said. “There is always something you can do. Whether you think you have the means to do it or not, there is always a way forward.”
Looking ahead, Talha is focused on building financial stability, helping his family and using his success to create opportunities for others. Most importantly, he is proud to be moving forward in a positive direction.
“I’m doing it the right way,” Talha said. “I appreciate this program, Ms. Mary, Ms. Serena, Goodwill, and everybody who had a part in helping me succeed and move forward.”
This story has been lightly edited for clarity and readability while preserving the original voice, perspective and experience.
Learn More About Goodwill’s CDL-B Training
Goodwill’s CDL-B training program provides classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction to prepare participants for careers as licensed school bus drivers. Graduates earn a Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Passenger, School Bus and Air Brake Endorsements, which can also qualify them for driving positions such as commercial buses, limousines and delivery trucks.
For eligible Pennsylvania SNAP participants, training may be available at no cost.
To learn more about CDL-B training, contact Goodwill or call 856-439-0200, ext. 64105.
Discover Programs That Change Lives
The stories you see here are made possible through Goodwill Industries of Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia’s mission services. From adult education and job training to career placement and support services, these programs help individuals overcome barriers and build brighter futures.
If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, we invite you to learn more about the opportunities available.
