Staff Interview: Julian
I enjoy [the big picture], and as a result, I feel it allows me to better serve my students. – Julian
When we choose a career path, we often don’t know exactly where it will lead. At JOG, we encourage keeping an open mind, recognizing your strengths, pursuing your passions, and making informed decisions. This philosophy extends to our staff, as well. For one of our Career Specialists, Julian, this approach led him to join the JOG team.
Julian moved to Ohio from Connecticut and learned about JOG through his significant other’s family, who knew of the program through their work in high schools. After reflecting on his background in social work and the opportunity with JOG, he decided to join the organization, eager to share his own experiences with students so they can learn from his mistakes and successes.
Julian describes his work at JOG as “being available to my students and assisting them through a myriad of things. This ranges from relationship issues, de-escalating anger, academics and, most of all, life skills or employment skills that will allow them to be successful now and after high school.” As he has built relationships with these participants, he has worked to build upon the foundations of past lessons he has taught. Julian sees their path as a journey of ups and downs and uses his expertise to help participants make smart, informed decisions. Julian says that, at the end of the day, “JOG is about building up the students above all else.”
Julian has gained professional development himself during his time at JOG. Julian explained that, since joining JOG, he has worked to overcome his aversion to public speaking. He explained, “At JOG, there are multiple times a week where career specialists like me talk in front of a crowd or a room full of students. To be successful at this job, I pushed myself to be more comfortable talking publicly. I still have miles to go, but I reached a point where the fear of public speaking as been removed from the equation!”
Since day one, Julian has been making a lasting impact with our participants. We are lucky to have Julian as a part of the JOG family, and we are excited to see the heights he is able to bring his participants to in 2025 and beyond!
