Friday was more than just a get out of class free day for a group of Sunflower County Consolidated School District students as graduating seniors and others participated in the Women and Children Health Initiative Workforce Development Job Readiness Training session at Mount Beulah Baptist Church.
Over 100 people including the soon-to-be-graduates attended the training that addressed topics related to the best practices and procedures needed to succeed in securing employment.
WCHI Project Director, Tom Espy, along with Jed Oppenheim, W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Todd Donald, vice president, Workforce Economic Development MDCC—Capps Center, shared the purpose of the workshop before turning the training over to WCHI trainer George Barnes.
They wanted to make sure that the young adults, who may soon be entering the workforce, understand how extremely important it is to present the best first-impression possible.
Donald also told them about the many training opportunities available at the Capps Center and shared that his most difficult task sometimes is finding qualified people to place in the available high-paying job openings.
During Barnes’ presentation, he encouraged the participants to overcome any fears that may be holding them back and find a positive role model, someone who can possibly help them get beyond where they see themselves. He also suggested that they put together a “prayer board” as a means of envisioning their goals.
He talked to the group about developing “smart goals” and explained that a smart goal has five elements: “It’s specific, it’s measurable, it’s attainable, it’s relevant and it’s also time-bound,” said Barnes.
Specifically targeting the high schoolers, he asked about their short-term goal, which all responded was to graduate, he then proceeded to give examples that contained the components of a smart goal.
He maintained that being energetic, exhibiting positive behavior and having a positive attitude are all essential to garnering success. Barnes said, “Affirm yourself. It is the practice of positive thinking. Improve yourself, which means get more education. And maintain good health.” Barnes asserted that if your health is good, you will do a better job.
Barnes encouraged the attendees to be self-aware, and to search and find a self-awareness test/assessment online. “Assess yourself and determine what it is you need to improve on that will help you become a better you. And being a better you is only going to allow you to be more successful in life,” he said.
