When Sema’j Miles first joined Goodwill North Central Texas in December 2019, he was hired to work in the warehouse on the dock. But it didn’t take long for his dedication and strong work ethic to stand out. From day one, Sema’j showed that he wasn’t afraid of hard work and that mindset set the tone for his future.
Not long after starting, Sema’j enrolled in Goodwill’s E2 program with the goal of earning his GED. Balancing a full-time warehouse job while studying for his diploma wasn’t easy, but he stayed focused. By September 2020, he had earned his GED, all while moving up the ranks from dock worker to forklift operator, then to box truck driver. Every step forward was fueled by his willingness to learn and grow.
When his team saw his potential, they encouraged him to take the next big step: earning his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). At first, Sema’j wasn’t sure. He knew the process would be tough, and the stakes were high. But as time passed, his hesitation turned into determination.
In March 2025, he enrolled in the CDL training program at Goodwill’s North Texas Institute for Career Development. He showed up early, asked questions and gave his all, even when things didn’t go perfectly. He didn’t pass the test on his first try, and he faced personal challenges outside the classroom but none of that stopped him. On May 28, 2025, Sema’j officially earned his CDL.
By mid-June, he was on the road, employed full-time as a professional truck driver and transporting the goods that keep our economy moving.
Sema’j’s story is one of grit, growth and perseverance. And as he travels across the country, there’s no doubt… he’s headed somewhere great.