More Youth Profiles
Some of the youth were a little camera shy, here are their experiences this summer.
Dina, 15, from Long Island
I worked at the New Cassel Farmer’s Market this summer -- it was my first job. When I grow up, "I have always had an interest in becoming a Nurse, as I enjoy helping people who are less fortunate. It’s great to know that you’ve really made a difference in someone’s life and that’s why entering the nursing field would fulfill my dream." Over the summer, "I learned that I really should be in an occupation where I can help people. In addition, I learned better ways of communicating with the customers and was also taught how to use the cash register."
Diamond, 15, from Rochester
Diamond is a very quiet 15 year old young lady who is completed her first year in the Summer Youth Employment Program. Her placement this summer was in the BOCES2Orleans Career Ventures Program. This program focuses on career exploration and entrepreneurship. This program is divided into three - two week session, construction technologies, Entrepreneurship and teamwork engineering.
Diamond has learned from and enjoyed her experience this summer. One of her favorites was the 2nd two week session where she and her coworkers developed a concept, did cost comparisons, marketed, made and sold various food products to other workers and visitors in the building. Diamond states that she really enjoyed talking to and interacting with customers. She felt good when the consumer was satisfied with their purchase. She feels that this program has given her greater insight into what an employer expects of an employee, as well as realizing that working with large groups of people takes some getting used to. Along with the entrepreneurial component of the program Diamond participate in team building activities, construction technologies through building a simulated city with the internet program called SimCity.
Diamonds ability to express herself will assist her in achieving her goal to become a nurse. For as long as she can remember she has loved to just help people. She says” I just don’t like to see people hurting and if I can help I will”. During this program she has had the opportunity to do more research on the field of nursing as a career and is more determined to achieve her goal.
Shaquille, 17, from Long Island
Allissa, 16, from North Country
I worked at Theresa Recreation Center this summer -- it was my first job. When I grow up, "I want to be a vet, or vet assistant because I like working with animals." Over the summer, "I learned that I did not like my summer job because I had to be too many places at once. It taught me that I should really work at something I enjoy. "
Frances, 17, from North Country
"I learned that if you are going to be late, or can't make it in, call your boss and explain what is going on."
Quaasha, 17, from Long Island
I worked at Hempstead High School this summer. When I grow up "I want to be a pediatric nurse because I love the feeling of helping kids." "My favorite part of the summer program was getting advise from various people that can help me in my life." "I learned how to communicate over the telephone with people."
Juan, 16, from Orange County
This summer I worked at the Orange County Office of Community Development, where I learned they do house inspections and write grants for people who qualify. "My favorite part of the summer youth program was going on a house inspection." "When I grow up I want to be a math teacher or engineer because I love math."
Katerina, 19, from Montgomery County
This summer I worked at my old high school, Canajoharie High School. I learned how to use the school's computer programs. "When I "grow up" I want to be a nurse, because I enjoy helping people."
Nick, 15, from Herkimer County
I worked at Poland High School, doing maintenance this summer. "My favorite part was working with friendly coworkers and learning about what it really takes to run a school." "I learned how to have patience when working with other people." After high school, Nick plans to join the Marine Corps.
"I learned how to deal with stress."
Todd, from Rochester
“For Todd, family support has been the key ingredient to his career development as a teenager. Currently a senior in high school, Todd’s focus exceeds that of many of his peers as his dreams of becoming a Film Director fall into place through the experience he has gained in the Summer Youth Employment Program. Todd’s interest in film began at home as he worked with his father. This interest, along with recommendation of his mother, led Todd to RochesterWorks! a few summers ago as he enrolled in his first summer work program. His experience, along with Todd’s solid work ethic and professionalism, has opened up further opportunities with ArtWorks in downtown Rochester.” Click the Link to Read Todd’s Full Interview and See Just How Important Family Support Was for His Career Development! http://bit.ly/19FBNRi
Tianna, from Rochester
“Tianna, along with fifteen other youth, took the summer to encourage people in the Rochester area to “Go Green” through the Green Footprint Project sponsored by Action for a Better Community (ABC). As a team leader for the project Tianna became a role model for her peers teaching them the skills required by the professional world. Her role in this program came from her success in the Summer Youth Employment Program sponsored by RochesterWorks! and the Summer of Opportunity Program. Tianna’s enrollment in the program for two years gave her the confidence she needed to take the initiative to become a role model for the students that she teaches at ABC.” Click to Watch Tianna’s Interview and See How She Has Become a Role Model for Her Peers through the ABC Program! http://bit.ly/1718nzB