Post by title1parent on Apr 23, 2009 5:16:02 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1539959,2_1_AU23_STILLSKL_S1.article
Retirees point kids toward success
April 23, 2009
By JANE DONAHUE For The Beacon News
AURORA -- A group of eight savvy business professionals offered career advice and inspiration this week during a presentation to students at Jeffrey C. Still Middle School.
The professionals belong to Retired African American Men, a social organization of about 30 retirees who have enjoyed successful careers in many different fields. For more than 15 years, RAAM has been providing a forum for networking and developing positive relationships among its members.
In 2006, teacher Karen McCann coordinated the first visit of RAAM members to coincide with a unit of study on career paths. The student response was so positive that McCann has invited them back each year.
"They (RAAM) are living proof that you can become whatever you dream to be," McCann said.
"They show the kids that you don't have to start out being wealthy or living in fancy homes. You can be successful when you set your sights high."
Each man shared a story about their personal and professional journey during the hourlong presentation. Their career paths were diverse, but their message was the same: Education is the key to success.
"We take opportunities to talk to students and others about what they need to do to become successfully employed and how they must apply themselves in their academic studies," said Anderson Smith, a retired chemical engineer and group member.
Student Harley Howell, 14, was impressed not only by the message but by the honest delivery.
"They said you are going to succeed, and you are going to fail," Howell said. "They talked about reality, not just that everything is going to be perfect. But either way, you have to be ready."
RAAM member John Elliott retired last year as president and CEO of Durham School Services, the second-largest school bus contracting company in the U.S. He emphasized that education must be the priority for students, even if they don't have a specific career path in mind.
"When you are in eighth grade, it's OK to not know what you want to be when you grow up. But you have to demonstrate the discipline in a classroom to be able to handle whatever opportunity comes your way," Elliott told the students.
"The key is to be ready for the opportunity, by getting as much education as possible."
The golden years may be a golden opportunity for this group of retired businessmen to make a difference in today's youth. Although they have retired from their 9-to-5 jobs, these men are still working.
"By the example of our members and their accomplishments, we hope to inspire and encourage our young people to concentrate on their endeavors," Smith said.
Retirees point kids toward success
April 23, 2009
By JANE DONAHUE For The Beacon News
AURORA -- A group of eight savvy business professionals offered career advice and inspiration this week during a presentation to students at Jeffrey C. Still Middle School.
The professionals belong to Retired African American Men, a social organization of about 30 retirees who have enjoyed successful careers in many different fields. For more than 15 years, RAAM has been providing a forum for networking and developing positive relationships among its members.
In 2006, teacher Karen McCann coordinated the first visit of RAAM members to coincide with a unit of study on career paths. The student response was so positive that McCann has invited them back each year.
"They (RAAM) are living proof that you can become whatever you dream to be," McCann said.
"They show the kids that you don't have to start out being wealthy or living in fancy homes. You can be successful when you set your sights high."
Each man shared a story about their personal and professional journey during the hourlong presentation. Their career paths were diverse, but their message was the same: Education is the key to success.
"We take opportunities to talk to students and others about what they need to do to become successfully employed and how they must apply themselves in their academic studies," said Anderson Smith, a retired chemical engineer and group member.
Student Harley Howell, 14, was impressed not only by the message but by the honest delivery.
"They said you are going to succeed, and you are going to fail," Howell said. "They talked about reality, not just that everything is going to be perfect. But either way, you have to be ready."
RAAM member John Elliott retired last year as president and CEO of Durham School Services, the second-largest school bus contracting company in the U.S. He emphasized that education must be the priority for students, even if they don't have a specific career path in mind.
"When you are in eighth grade, it's OK to not know what you want to be when you grow up. But you have to demonstrate the discipline in a classroom to be able to handle whatever opportunity comes your way," Elliott told the students.
"The key is to be ready for the opportunity, by getting as much education as possible."
The golden years may be a golden opportunity for this group of retired businessmen to make a difference in today's youth. Although they have retired from their 9-to-5 jobs, these men are still working.
"By the example of our members and their accomplishments, we hope to inspire and encourage our young people to concentrate on their endeavors," Smith said.