Job Program Offers "One Great Summer Chicago" Success for Rising College Freshman
Linda Johnson
Published: August 16, 2016
One Summer Chicago provided ONE GREAT SUMMER for Auburn Gresham youth, Tiara Wilkes, recent graduate of Johnson College Prep. Tiara was assisigned to the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation, and spent six weeks at their 7901 S. Racine main office location learning the responsibilities of an office receptionist.
Even though Tiara was extremely soft spoken, she spent her mornings, primarily answering phones, which somedays could be never-ending. She also spent time making outreach calls to seniors citizens, who applied for the SARFS (Small Accessible Repairs for Seniors) program through the GAGDC. Because the grueling hot summer, many of the calls also included well being checks for our senior slients.
Not only did she learn the importance the senior population, as a major asset of Auburn Gresham, she now understands the huge role they play staying in their homes, in the Auburn Gresham community. She said, " Seeing the longetitivy of the beautiful bungalows that make up the many tree lined blocks has a new meaning to me." This has helped me learn more respect and pride for the large percentage of elders in the community.
As rising freshman, although her first choice and she was accepted to Columbia University, Tiara will begin her college years at Harold Washington Collge, in the fall. We know she will be successful in her school endeavors and wish her the best.
During her stint Tiara at the GAGDC, the icing on the cake is that she learned not just about great phone ettiquette, overall she learned a great deal about the beauty and people, in community where she lives.