Students of the Month (Apr. 2007)
Balois Flores - Kelly High School
What School do you attend?
Moraine Valley
What is your major? Why?
I am majoring in Animation because I have always been fascinated with Japanese animation known as Anime and I would like to be more involved with it.
Where do you work and what do you do?
I work at UPS as a loader.
How many hours a week do you work?
I work part-time, but it is the graveyard shift. UPS is paying for my college and I have to work the hours they give me.
What is the one thing you miss the most from JILG?
I miss the people. I’ve met a lot of good people and made lots of great friends thanks to JILG.
How has JILG helped you or impacted you?
JILG has taught me how to organize myself so I have time to work and go to school while still being able to have a social life.
What is the one thing that you learned in JILG and how has it helped you?
I remember having to dress up and bring a resume and do an interview with Ms. Serrano. I was shocked how unprepared I was, but that’s why we did it so we can learn from our mistakes.
What advice would you give a present JILG student?
I would tell them to take advantage of all the help they can get from their Career Specialist. They are there to make us into better people.
Charlotte “Charlie” Marshall - Kenwood High School
To say the least, Charlotte is the model of teenage resilience. Affectionately called Charlie, she is as charming as her name would suggest and she is loved by many.
Upon transferring to Kenwood from Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep, Charlie was met with academic pressure and challenges that seemed insurmountable. The prospect of receiving stellar grades on her report card was dismal but Charlotte had not given up the fight. During this time, when many students in her situation would choose flight over fight, Charlotte decided to depend on her wits and determination to ensure her success.
In addition to academic challenges, Charlie was also met with workplace issues. Faced with a lay-off from the local grocery store where she has worked since November, she struggled with the need to find a new job! After utilizing techniques learned in her JILG class, she began to network, to apply for positions and to submit resumes in hopes of finding a quality position that would suit her needs. Charlotte now works at Payless Shoe Store where she displays workplace etiquette and genuine customer service.
Moreover, Charlotte is a servant, a leader and a mentor. Throughout Kenwood and beyond, she has more “little brothers” and “little sisters” than one can count. Her nurturing and kind spirit reminds her that it is important to assist and guide the younger generation. Next year, Charlotte will be attending the Illinois college or university of her choice. With her resilience and strong desire to succeed, she will be successful!