Teen Makes Decision That Changes Her Life
Teachers at ACES Academy described Makayla Barres as rude and disruptive. Her attendance was poor and her actions were leading her down the path to being kicked out of school. In September 2014, Makayla made the decision to change this reputation. With the help of WIA, she set herself up to be successful in the coming school year and entered the Jobs for America’s Graduates program (JAG). Makayla was about to surprise everyone.
Since a very early age, Makayla had a difficult time balancing school with the many responsibilities placed on her young shoulders. Makayla’s mother, a single parent, relies on Makayla to take care of her and their apartment, due to a disability that limited her mobility, while Makayla’s sister relies on her to babysit her two children while she works. Feeling responsible to help her family, Makayla often missed school and her academics suffered. She had fallen behind in her education and found herself lashing out, since she was always tired. Coming into the 2014 school year, though facing the same hurdles, Makayla decided it was time to make a change. She came to ACES and with the help of WIA and JAG, things started to look up for her.
Upon entering the JAG program, Makayla heard guest speakers talk about the importance of college and finding a career path that you love. This inspired her to start developing her own goals and determine the steps to get her there. Knowing she wanted to go to college to become a graphic designer/photographer, the JAG program gave her the opportunity to explore different colleges. On a field trip to North Central Michigan College in Petoskey, she found the perfect fit. During the same tour, she was able to find the program she needed and suitable housing in their dorms. Later in the year, the JAG program helped again with a second trip to NCMC for orientation and to fill out financial aid paperwork.
With guidance from the JAG program, Makayla dual enrolled in a college English class. The online program fit into her schedule and WIA helped by loaning her a computer and providing her text books. She excelled in this class and completed it with a B+, along with her full high school course load.
Throughout the year, Makayla grew as a leader. She attended many leadership group sessions, she was instrumental in planning an ACES Family Reunion where former staff and students came back to ACES to talk to the students to build motivation and pride in their school, and she also attended the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates Career Development Conference in Lansing. At the conference, she was able to compete against other students in interview skills, creative problem solving, and math skills. Her team received first place for their commercial. The conference also provided opportunities to explore different careers and colleges, and network with state-wide businesses.
Makayla attended many after school JAG sessions totaling 182 hours. These sessions prepared her for the workforce by helping her to create a resume, develop a business image, practice interview skills and learn how to do a job search. With WIA’s help, she was able to purchase interview clothes and successfully interview at Alpena Oil. She got the job and is currently employed as a cashier.
Throughout the year, Makayla received guidance and support to help her through this this conscious decision to change her life. Having graduated high school, she is now ready for the next step towards bettering herself. In September she will start college and she continues to successfully hold her cashier job. Makayla is one of many success stories thanks to the JAG program, and her success is a great example of the power the JAG program can have in helping make a difference in changing youth’s lives.