Paying it Forward: The aha moment!
Paying it Forward: The aha moment!
One and done; for many volunteers, the "get" not worth the give. The best keep 'em coming back gain while others churn. Honor others who honor your cause. Aim high.
Attract, engage and retain is the mantra for marketing, nonprofit or for-profit. Volunteers seek an interest match, then engage and serve as best they can. If they enjoying their service, then they come back.
Volunteers ongoing support of time, talent, treasure or testimony depends on what they ’receive in return.’
As the past school year ended, about 100 families met at MSU’s Dillard School of Business. Finalizing their students’ participation in the Road to College Summer Program.
Students met in classrooms on the 3rd floor of the Dillard building for classes in preparation for college.
Last Thursday evening July 18th, the program concluded with graduation ceremonies. MSU’s Sikes Lake Center was full to capacity as graduates, families and community supporters shared an amazing array of covered dishes that had been prepared by student’s parents. No one went hungry.
Chamber of Commerce President Ron Kitchens comments to the room shared challenges and the support he received as a friend’s mother said “do not let others set your limits.”
As each student received their graduation certificate they shared a handshake from Gonzalo Robles, founder of Café con Leche, and his wife Dr. Stephanie Robles, educational consultant and MSU Professor.
Parents stood, taking photos from their seats around the room, while Robles and the student turned for the best photo so each student’s memory was captured.
I note many of these students may be the first in their family to graduate from college. The energy of that dream fills the room.
Why support this program? Anthony Louis, engineering and quality director at Pratt and Whitney worries that 25% of today’s local workforce is 50 or older.
This program is a way to get more students interested in more advanced classes that prepare students for tomorrow’s jobs.
Gonzalo recognized every organization that helped deliver the experience these students enjoyed. He made it personal, showing his dedicated focus on education. This recognition ensures the volunteers understand they are valued and key for the program’s success.
Students shared their Road to College chant. Mentors led asking ‘Who are we, where are going,’ and ‘how are we getting there?’
Students answered, ‘we are family, we are going to college, together.’
Parents beamed with joy. Instructors enjoyed students who wanted to learn with others. Community supporters celebrate the progress in preparing tomorrows workforce and leaders.
My Aha? Family, community, country, we honor ourselves based on how we honor and treat others.
Jack Browne is a community volunteer and former technology sales and marketing executive who worked 40 years at Motorola, MIPS Technologies and other companies. How are the children doing?
Published Wichita Falls Times Record News, Trends Section, Sunday July 28, 2024.