Was my first job when I drew up life insurance policies and walked around the house trying to sell them to my parents and siblings for a low premium of 25 cents a month? Or when I was lead babysitter for my first nephew, Christian? Or when I would help my sister Julie by reshelving returned tapes at the video store over summer vacation?

All fun, but they don't really qualify.

Anyone who knows me wouldn't be surprised to learn that my first official job was as a data entry clerk at a specialized library. Lots of accessioning and deaccessioning, shelving periodicals and pulling requested materials. The collection focused mainly on technical scientific and agricultural topics, so we didn't get much foot traffic and most days found us working together as a small, tight-knit group to get things done.

I took that job one year out of high school, in order to save money for university. I stayed there for four years and I was glad I did. The experience gave me a new context in which to apply the work ethic I developed in secondary school. I learned practical database skills and strengthened what I've now come to know as "soft skills" -  teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, communication and conflict resolution. It taught me to show up every day - someone is depending on you - and to see projects though. I also learned how to manage my paycheck, which I received at the end of each month and would have to stretch for the next 30 days.

My first job gave me room to mature both personally and professionally, and showed me opportunities in a field I never considered as a career option. It changed my life and shone a light on so many new paths, and for that I am forever grateful. Through support of TeenWorks and their Summer Jobs Program, I want to help connect others to their spark of opportunity!

You can help the young people of TeenWorks discover their paths and connect to opportunity. Here's how:

- $25 donation can provide a healthy, filling lunch for a hungry, working teen 

- $50 donation keeps a teen employed by providing transportation to and from work for a week 

- $100 donation gives a teen a professional mock interview experience 

- $125 donation goes towards coaching and counseling to help a teen get through high school 

- $500 donation helps keep a teen in a meaningful six-week summer jobs program 

And guess what? Any amount helps, so please give what you can. Thank you!

===

Each year TeenWorks sets out to impact the lives of teens in the Indianapolis and Muncie community through our Summer Jobs Programs. In 2020, more than 225 teens will take on their first job while developing their professional development skills and making a huge impact on the communities in which they live in. 

Our First Jobs Giving Campaign celebrates first job opportunities every where and the impact it has made on our lives and career paths. This campaign shines a light on the students we are impacting and the work they are accomplishing all while raising funds to continue to impact more underrepresented youth in Indianapolis and Muncie.