Lessons learned for a job earned

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Peter Thompson
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Members of the Youth Center's Keystone Club here took part in a job development opportunity where they learned about different aspects of looking for and holding a job June 19, 2012, at the Old Navy store in Abilene, Texas.

The Keystone club is affiliated with the Boys and Girls Club of America. It is open to all teenagers with access to base as a part of the youth center.

"Through club and community service projects, Keystoners learn first-hand the importance of cultivating and exercising the virtues of compassion, tolerance, responsibility and citizenship," said Adam Stirling, Dyess Youth Center training and curriculum specialist. "Keystoning is a unique leadership development experience that gives young people a chance to act on their humanitarian ideals while building self-respect and strong attachments to family and community."

"We have events to build character and leadership abilities weekly," said Joanne McDaniel, team coordinator of the Keystone Club. "We expose the youth to different projects, allowing them to feel comfortable in a variety of instances and to grow in experience."

The purpose of the Old Navy Teen Experience was to allow the teens to be exposed to real life situations they would encounter during a job and the requirements of acquiring that job.

Shortly after arriving, the teenagers, ages 14 to 18, were given a tour of the business so they could understand the importance of product display and positioning. They were instructed on how to use the checkout registers and scanners. Afterward, they put their sense of fashion and use of teamwork to the test in a dress-up contest between the boys and girls of the group.

"My favorite part of the day was the contest to dress the mannequins the fastest," said Brianna Kolicius, Keystone Club president. "The girls won, both times."

With some short coaching, informing them on what to expect during an interview, the members were put to the test. They underwent an interview process and given a hired, call back or not interested response. When asked, everyone agreed they learned new and useful information from the day's trip.

"It will help us in the future when we are looking for a job," Kolicius said. "Now we know what to say and do during an interview, how to dress and how to act while looking for a job."

"I'm very proud of the teams that took the time and the opportunity to better themselves by waking up early, even during the summer, to come out and learn and even have fun," McDaniel said.

For more information on the Keystone Club and other opportunities offered at the Dyess Youth Center, call (325) 696-4797.