Mayor Peyton's Summer Jobs Program: Jo-Anne Yau and Local Youths Learned From Each Other
Mayor John Peyton's Summer Jobs Program is a training program for 200 students in Duval County, to prepare them for their summer jobs working for the City. Their training includes team-building exercises, resume-preparation, honing interview skills, and preparing for permanent employment after they finish school. Yesterday, I went to City Hall in downtown Jacksonville, because I was invited to speak to these local youths about my experiences in school, how I prepared to become a lawyer and Magistrate Judge, and tell them about a typical day in my life.
I am embarrassed to admit that I had stereotyped my audience, thinking that a group of 16-21 year olds would be a stoic crowd, interested only in their iPods and flirting with the opposite sex. They really proved me wrong! What an inquisitive and interactive group! They engaged me in vivid discussions about their experiences with attorneys, law enforcement, and legal issues that affected them and the community. They also challenged existing laws and the legal system, wondering why our justice system was designed the way it was, and suggested how it could be improved. I truly got the sense that these young adults sincerely wanted to prepare themselves for the responsibility of supporting their community when the time comes for the torch to be passed to them.
While they may have walked away with the sense that I taught them something about life, I also came from this training session feeling gratified. Those young adults motivated, inspired, and taught me more about the world through their eyes. I am re-assured that the next generation is ready to take care of Jacksonville and the global community around it.
