Student Success Story: Samuel
Finding Your Voice Through JOG!
At Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates (JOG), we are proud of the hard work and dedication our participants show in overcoming challenges and developing the skills necessary for success in the workforce. One JOG participant, Samuel, is a great example of someone who has demonstrated incredible growth and determination, despite facing numerous challenges throughout his life.
When Samuel first joined the JOG program, he was struggling with focusing on tasks and completing necessary activities. Samuel often found himself disengaged, but, throughout it all, he remained respectful, polite, and willing to engage in the process, even when it wasn’t easy. By working with his Career Specialists, Samuel began to develop skills to help his attention span while also working on critical life skills, including analyzing problems, evaluating options, and making decisions based on the best possible outcomes. Through the JOG program, Samuel’s mindset shifted, and he became prepared for the job market.
A pivotal moment in Samuel’s journey came when he was officially hired at a pizza restaurant. This job was the beginning of his summer work experience, and he was vocal about how excited he was to earn money—not only for himself but also to support his mom. This real-world work experience helped Samuel with more than just financial gain, though; this job presented him the opportunity to learn the importance of clear communication in the workplace with his manager and coworkers and practice all the employability skills he learned with his Career Specialists.
Samuel has worked hard to get where he is today. He has not only improved his ability to analyze problems through JOG’s career training but has also become a more effective communicator. He even took the initiative to partner with his Career Specialist to secure a bike, which has made getting to work on time and reliably much easier. It’s clear that the JOG program has helped him develop the skills that are critical for success in any job.
Samuel’s story is one that proves that with the right support, commitment, and determination, young individuals can overcome barriers, improve their skills, and make meaningful strides toward building their futures. We look forward to seeing what lies ahead for him!
