When did you first get involved with First Graduate?
I joined First Graduate® earlier last year as a volunteer Career Consultant, supporting Cassy Huang, the Career Success Manager with her work on behalf of the students. It has been a great experience to work with Cassy & the First Graduate® staff.
What inspired you to get involved?
I believe it is vitally important that we take inventory of our personal & professional gifts & talents, & determine where we can “give those gifts away” to others, in addition to making our professional living from them. I am passionate about career development & coaching, & supporting those from under-served communities. I choose First Graduate® after reading about them, then meeting Anthony Mickens at the Board Match event last year. After that, I was sold!
What kind of opportunities have you been involved with at First Graduate?
Several actually. Last year, I volunteered for the Discovery Day @ USF, the 2014 Cap & Gown, the Presentation of Learning, & co-presented with Cassy a training for the college students. So far this year, Cassy, Sivon, Tony & I co-presented another training for the college students last night. It’s been busy, but so worth it – I’m looking forward to more this year!
Take us behind the scenes. Tell us about an experience you had while volunteering that made you realize you were making a difference.
When I attended the Discovery Days event at USF, there was a young student there who looked so excited to be there, & really wanted to do well in the interview portion. When we asked him why he wanted to join First Graduate, he told us, “because my brother was a member & he is doing good!” (I’m paraphrasing a bit). He wanted to be like his brother! That really made me feel so good about the difference we can make for these young people, & how they look to us for confirmation that their choices are good ones.
What pieces of wisdom would you share with new volunteers or community members who are interested in supporting First Graduate?
I would say besides your expertise, to bring your enthusiasm, curiosity, & a sense of discovery. You will have as much to learn from the students, as they will from you! Also, your passion, commitment, & patience will support their ability to build their confidence & excel in their school work, while they build the necessary life skills for overall success. Lastly, reflect on what it was like when you were a student growing up, taking responsibility, & dealing with the pressures of school, family, & friends. While our circumstances might be different, what we need to be successful & a well-rounded person are the same!
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer?
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