plus 1, A job can help you learn for later career - The Post-Standard - Syracuse.com (blog)

A job can help you learn for later career - The Post-Standard - Syracuse.com (blog)

Posted: 07 Feb 2011 02:15 AM PST

Published: Monday, February 07, 2011, 5:16 AM

By Sadie Zacharek
Contributing writer

As a high school student, a job may seem like just another stressful task to add into our already near-impossible juggling act, but it is actually quite beneficial. We all have our dream jobs, so taking a brain-dead part-time job may seem unnecessary, but it is actually quite the opposite. Picture the large leap between high school and your dream job; a teenage job is like a stepping stone in the middle. It can make the jump a little easier and a lot less scary.

A part-time job can provide you with a hands-on learning experience. You can learn about responsibility, money management, and maybe even learn some skills that could help you later on throughout your professional career. For example, if you wanted to become a veterinarian, you could work or volunteer at a local animal shelter. This job could teach you about the responsibilities of caring for animals as well as skills that are relevant to a similar future job. Even if your part-time job seems to be unrelated to your dream job, there is still a lot to learn from it no matter what you go on to be in life.

Before applying for a part-time job, you should make sure that you are qualified to fill the position. I babysit in my spare time. To prepare for this, I took a babysitting course at the local Red Cross building. Small classes like these can easily prepare you, if not give your resume a boost, for a part-time job as a teenager.

Even if you aren't quite old enough to work a part-time job, volunteer organizations are always in need of a helping hand. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community, and you can reap the same benefits from volunteer work as from a part-time job.

Although trying to squeeze a job into our already busy lives may seem impossible, the benefits are actually greater than the disadvantages. A job is a great experience that can provide you with knowledge and responsibility.

— Sadie Zacharek is a freshman at East Syracuse-Minoa High School

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Medina County Career Center sets From The Heart Dinner - Cleveland Plain Dealer

Posted: 07 Feb 2011 06:26 AM PST

Published: Monday, February 07, 2011, 9:31 AM

The Medina County Career Center will host its 10th annual From the Heart Dinner Feb. 19, but this year there are a few changes.

The dinner was initially in honor of Lason Leight, a senior student in the Chef and Restaurant Management program who died in a car accident on his way home from picking up his schedule at school. "It was a very difficult time, especially for the Chef and Restaurant Management program," said Christine Kurth, community and career services coordinator.

"I was trying to think of a way to help Chef Tony (instructor Tony Stanislo) and the students do something positive to help them deal with their grief," she said "We did the first From the Heart Dinner that February (2002). We had his mom and dad involved in the planning process."

The money raised from the dinner went towards scholarships for students in the Chef and Restaurant Management program. There were three seatings and a small raffle.

This year, however, MCCC is expanding the event. There will be one seating at 6 p.m. for approximately 250 people. The food will still be prepared and served by students, but all the money raised will go towards the creation of a foundation for students who need a little financial help.

"We wanted to start a foundation that would impact the whole school," said Kurth. "We have students in difficult situations. They may have a difficult home life or are financially struggling. They may need steel-toed boots for a job or help getting the tools they need. We're always trying to think of creative ways to support these kids in need."

Kurth spoke with Jason Leight's mother and found her to be supportive of the idea.

"In no way did we want to change a scholarship dinner in memory of her son into a foundation dinner without talking to her," Kurth said. "She was unbelievably supportive that her son would have this greater impact. She was grateful that we were changing the format and expanding the focus."

To raise the money for the foundation, MCCC is raising the price from $35 to $50 a ticket. The ticket price includes a four-course meal consisting of three mini appetizers; a salad; entr e of mushroom and herb-stuffed filet mignon wrapped with cured bacon and chicken roulade with spinach, roasted pepper and gouda cheese served, with roasted carrot risotto and bundled haricot vert. Dessert is a combination of bananas foster cheesecake, chocolate mousse with raspberry and a classic clair.

Between each course there will be a dance showcase performed by the students at Dance Elegance in Medina. Kurth hinted at a surprise finale as well.

While the guests are enjoying the show they can also peruse the selections available through a silent auction. One special item available was created and donated by the students in the facility maintenance program — a small playhouse made of scrap materials that includes benches and a pretend fireplace. The staff at MCCC will deliver the item to the lucky winner.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner is at 6 p.m. Tickets are still available. For more information or to make a reservation contact Cheri Kent by email at kent@mcjvs.edu or call (330) 725-8461, ext. 119.

Contact Quinn at
(216) 986-2371