Sajee, 16
MyCom design team member Sajee loves to be involved, especially in community service projects. At the School of Science and Medicine, John Hay Campus, she’s a member of Key Club, Youth Advisory Committee, and the cross country team.
Sajee is proud of being vocal and enjoys activities that invite opinion. It’s no wonder, then, that her dream is to become a lawyer. History and global issues are among Sajee’s favorite subjects, and she’s inspired by people who have overcome hardships and freely share their life stories as a means of inspiring others.
Among the most influential people in Sajee’s life have been her guidance counselors at High Tech Academy, Mr. Blanchard and Mr. Hicks. Both have helped to guide her academically and personally and have given her lifelong advice.
Since October 2008, Sajee has worked at Applebee’s. She feels she’s a good employee, because she helps her co-workers and tackles duties beyond her job description.
Sajee is applying her ambitious nature to her college decision: So far, she’s toured 10 college campuses. Among her goals as a college student are to pledge a sorority and to take part in what she calls “an awesome overseas internship.”
James, 17
“I absolutely love St. Ignatius High School,” says James, who gets up at 5 a.m. every school day to make it to class on time. “St. Ignatius was a choice made by my mom,” James explains. And while James’s mom dreams of him becoming a doctor, he envisions a career as a minister.
A first-generation Korean-American, James turned his thoughts toward the ministry when his pastor helped him through a very difficult period in his life: the death of his father from cancer. For more than three years, James has volunteered at the hospice where his father lived for a time. He also volunteers as a computer tech for the Annual Youth Conference sponsored by the Church of the Savior, and he serves as an after-school tutor for his school’s IPass program.
Obviously, James’s mom and his pastor have been key influences in life. So too, was his father, who came to the country and established a retail business before bringing his family here.
Chemistry and theology are James’s favorite subjects, and he enjoys his time as a MyCom design team member. “I think MyCom is different things to different people,” says James. “The main thing is that it works.”
Richard, 19
“The MyCom design team has done a lot for me,” says Richard, who joined the team as a 19-year-old senior at John F. Kennedy High School. Computer skills, communication skills, and help with preparing for job interviews are just a few of the benefits Richard lists.
Richard joined the MyCom design team at the suggestion of his Citizenship Institute (CI) teacher. Richard takes the bus to the twice-monthly team meetings, and even though he’s been late a few times due to bad weather, his attendance has been steady. “I always find a way to get there,” he says.
That kind of dedication earned Richard a place on JFK’s football and track teams. And although math is his favorite subject, he loves to listen to poetry, particularly Maya Angelou and upcoming poets. His hobby is movies of all types.
Beyond his CI teacher, other adults have been vital to Richard. First and foremost is his grandmother, who raised him since he was in the third grade. “My grandmother is wonderful,” he says. Another adult, Michael Walker of Partnership for a Safer Cleveland, helped Richard connect with his four sisters, who were adopted. “It was great” is how Richard describes that experience.
Richard hopes to become an accountant or business owner, and he is actively looking for a job to help fund his college education. “I’m a good employee candidate because I want to work,” he says.
A bit of advice from Richard to other young people: “Join a club with people you don’t know, because peers can really help you. You can find out information and gain friendships with people you otherwise would not have met.”