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Grads will now head into the workplace

By Marc Jacobson | ABC12
July 30, 2008

FLINT (WJRT) -- Throughout the summer, several local high school students have been getting the type of training that's intended to help make them successful in the workplace.

Tonight at Kettering University, more than 50 teens will graduate from the TeenQuest program.

"It's very exciting. I get happy every time I think about it," said TeenQuest student Erica Paxton.

The Genesee Regional Chamber if Commerce has sponsored TeenQuest for several years. It's a free program that teaches teens skills needed to get a job,  and how to keep it.

"It really is about honing in on the learning objectives that will help them become the best employee they can be," Chamber Vice President of Education and Training Rhetta Hunyady said.

Now it's time for  16-year-old Erica Paxton to find a job. Thanks to TeenQuest, she's ready to ace that all-important interview.  "You have to be able to set a good image for yourself. It only takes seven seconds for someone to get that first impression of you."

Elvin Walker graduated last year. This summer, the 15 year old is a working man.  "Just the fact of getting up every morning and knowing that you have a job to go to and you're getting paid at the end of the week is a good feeling."

Elvin is working with the Girl Scouts; mentoring them in home and fire safety skills. He knows the value of keeping his professional and personal lives separate. "That's the most important thing; that, and being on time."

"These are just two representing an entire group of kids that have an entire thread of confidence and competence that you don't find in most teenagers, and sometimes you don't find in adults," Hunyady said.

Now that the TeenQuest program is about to wrap up for the summer, the real work begins. Both Walker and Paxton have big goals for the future.

"I want to be a veterinarian, because I love animals. I want to specialize in dogs and cats," Walker said.

"I would love to be a pediatrician. I love dealing with children," Paxton added.

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