Hello everyone, it’s Kori again and today I graduated from the City of Statesboro Youth Connect Program. Through this program I was employed as Grice Connect's summer intern. Don’t start jumping to conclusions just yet, you all still have me for a few more weeks since I will be staying to work for Mr. DeWayne for the rest of the summer.
Anyways let’s get to the good stuff, the real reason why you clicked on the article, to see what adventures I have had this week so let’s jump right into them.
Good Deeds
This past weekend I got some community service hours in and volunteered at Feed the Boro's food drop that took place at Statesboro High School. I couldn't believe how HOT it was out there, even with a plain white t-shirt on I was still sweating bullets. They had donuts and water for the volunteers though so I guess the heat wasn't so bad.
What is interesting is that later that day I met Laura Franklin Cooke, who is Representative Lehman Franklin's sister at Statesboro Farmer Market. Isn't that something wonderful? Laura owns H.L Franklin Honey. She gave me some cinnamon honey. I had no idea that even existed, but it sure is good.
I also stepped foot into Statesboro Visitor Center for the first time in my 15 years of living. What a cool way to learn about my hometown. Rebecca NeSmith and Ryan Redding shared with me how they welcome visitors to Statesboro.
Officially a Core Member
Ever since I got my first bank account I felt empowered by the feeling of actually having some money.
I know you rich folks can relate.
Having an account at CORE gave me the opportunity to attend their annual meeting, even though I didn’t really truly understand everything, the dip and chips that was offered was good, lol.
While at the meeting I met members of their leadership including:
- Robert Clampett, CORE CEO
- Dr. Joseph Ruhland, CORE, Chair of the Board
- Ashley Norris, CORE, V.P. and the Chair of the Savanna St. Patrick Day committee
Side Quest
While tagging along with Mr. DeWayne I went to a meeting he had with Jeremy Wilburn at the Recreation Center at GS. I lucked up and got a tour of the whole facility, experiencing and seeing all the things they had to offer. The ROCK WALL is on my list!
Ending a life changing internship
I was asked to speak at the graduation for the program today. I felt the best way to end my reports is to let you read my speech or view it as I presented it. Thank you all for reading my stories, listening to "My Voice" and knowing my name.
Gradation Speech
Text of speech
Good afternoon, My name is Ja’Kori Cope. This summer I worked with Grice Connect under Mr. DeWayne's mentorship. I can admit that starting off in this program I was slightly hesitant. I had no prior experience in a real job setting. Being told that in a short period of time I will be placed into one of these real working environments was a lot. But that’s where the training comes in.
In three days of training, you provided us with notable highlights including the emphasis on teamwork and communication.
Most jobs require skills such as being able to thrive and cooperate with others. Having these two areas addressed very thoroughly, really aided me in the job I chose for the summer.
My time with Grice Connect was far from boring, being that I was his intern and personal chauffeur. We were on the move almost everyday going to meetings, conducting interviews, or even just getting a bite to eat.
There is always something to do, and that's what I really liked about it, there was never a dull moment.
As many of you may know, if you are a subscriber to Grice Connect, I did many interesting things and documented them in my weekly reports.
Some highlights were flying up in a plane, being able to tour the Engineering College at GS and having Dr. Kyle Marerro, GS president, called me by my name. He knew me because he reads Grice Connect every day.
I can say that none of this would have been possible without the guidance and the encouragement Mr. DeWayne gave me to start doing my weekly reports. He proved to me that every voice matters - especially mine.
Overall the Youth Connect Program is a very much needed program in our community. When I began five weeks ago, I wasn't famous. Now it everywhere I go someone important knows my name.
For me this program has been very beneficial, filled with lots of great teaching moments. Now I’m getting up to the age where I really need to start focusing on the career path. I have learned that if I plan accordingly and keep my eye on the goal, anything is possible for me.
This program provided me with the much needed experience and a positive environment to fully expose myself into the world. I now have an idea of what I really want to do with my life.
I would like to thank the Mayor and City Manager for having the vision to begin this program. I also want to thank the coordinators of the program, Mrs. Mitchell and Mr. Bynes. They chose me and gave me one of the best opportunities of my life.
I also thank Mr. DeWayne for all the knowledge and life skills such as teaching me how to tie a tie and also a bow tie and parallel parking a car.
I will never forget everything you have done for me. Thank you!