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Greetings,
This month, I'd like to share a touching story with you that came from an experience had by one of our Outreach Consultants. In my November 2007 column, I introduced you to Darlene Russell as a new member of our Outreach team. Since then, she has been busy working with students and changing lives for the better.
Early in April, Darlene represented Great Lakes at the iFAIR Career Exploration for middle and high students in Milwaukee Public Schools. Hosted by Harley-Davidson, this event was attended by more than 400 students who learned about engineering and technology careers in a fun and engaging environment. A combination of manufacturers, such as Apple, Harley-Davidson, and First Robotics, told students some of the careers available in technology while several colleges and universities explained how to obtain them. Great Lakes and other organizations were there to clarify the financial aid resources available that could help these students reach their dreams.
Students in attendance had the opportunity to visit every booth to talk to the representatives about their future career goals. Darlene, seeing that she was competing with the robots and motorcycles on display, knew she had one shot to connect with these students and get the message across that college is possible and attainable. She talked with many students about how financial aid can make college affordable.
Toward the end of the day, Darlene was approached by Daniel, a sixth-grade student from Escuela Vieau Elementary School in Milwaukee. With a class assignment to write about one of the companies at iFAIR, Daniel began asking Darlene about her job as an Outreach Consultant with Great Lakes. He felt that she provided a roadmap on what a sixth grader like himself needed to do to get to the great careers he saw at iFAIR. He chose to feature Darlene and Great Lakes for his assignment because without the help of someone like her, he wouldn't know what classes to take in high school or how to apply for and pay for college.
It's small experiences like these that remind us of the important role we play in students lives. Darlene told me it was one of her proudest moments of her professional career. Beyond helping Daniel complete his school project, she gave him the tools and information he needs to prepare for and succeed through high school and college, opening doors toward his successful future.
Until next time,
La Toya Sykes, Director
Outreach and Access Awareness
Click a link below to view past Opening Doors articles.
