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Calling all career coaches
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Location: Blogs Now We're Talking |
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| Posted by: Joe Byrnes |
10/17/2007 9:37 AM |
I'm not a curmudgeon yet - give me 15 or 20 years - but here's one thing that gets my goat. I can't stand it when people make sweeping generalizations about how youngsters today are spoiled, uncaring, irresponsible, lazy or otherwise good for nothing.
I suppose those critics have had bad experiences. Often, I think, it's a problem of preconceived ideas or a case of appearances being deceiving. There are many, many more occasions to be impressed and inspired by the grit, energy, generosity, creativity - even brilliance - of our high school students and college-age neighbors.
Take Cody Myers, for example, a senior at Marion Technical Institute studying industrial engineering and drafting. I met him at a luncheon on Tuesday, at which the Chamber of Commerce, CLM Workforce Connection and the school were recruiting mentors for its Career Coach program.
Cody has a plan laid out: graduation from MTI, including professional certifications; a stint in the U.S. Army; a four-year degree in architectural engineering; and a business of his own, perhaps here in Ocala. "Eventually," he said, I could "come back here, like these people are doing, and become a career coach here - help people be what they want to be."
He and Luisa Chil - a junior who was sitting at the lunch table with us - said they love the atmosphere at MTI, which was established in 2005 on the old Forest High School campus.
"We all have high goals," Luisa said. "Here we learn a lot of success skills. ... It truly is preparing us for the real world."
MTI's 375 students earn their high school diplomas -and even take college courses - but also get practical training and certification in one or more of the school's academies. The training includes automotive technology, building construction, business and finance, culinary arts, industrial engineering and more. Many students have received paid internships with local businesses. And upon graduation, 100 percent of eligible seniors have gotten a job.
On Tuesday, about two dozen professionals showed up to learn about the Career Coach program. Volunteers - who are, of course, screened by the School District - will meet with their individual students at MTI at least once every other week. They'll usually get together during the lunch hour, perhaps in the school dining room, or on campus before or after school.
The goal is to pair 125 seniors with career coaches. MTI Vocational Administrator Michael Fritch said seniors will complete a survey - covering their ideas about career coaching and their interests - that will help him match volunteers and students.
In a nutshell, Principal Mark Vianello said, they want professionals who have followed a career path to success to share their time and knowledge "with someone who is about to start the journey." The students may change their goals, Vianello said, but the relationship will still benefit them.
Wendy Green, a branch manager with Regions Bank, said she planned to recruit volunteers, people who communicate well, who are outgoing and friendly, goal-oriented and well-liked in the community, and who are positive and have an interest in working with children.
She sees the program as a chance to encourage and motivate the students, and give them the benefit of her nearly 30 years of experience in the banking industry.
If you're that kind of business person, call the school at 671-4765 and ask for Fritch. But all those critics who cannot appreciate the bright promise of youth - or listen with compassion to its tribulations - need not apply.
Joe Byrnes may be reached at joe@ocala.com or 352-867-4112. |
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