FA Alumni Return as Professionals to Pay Their Experiences Forward
Every year, we begin our staff orientation by rededicating ourselves to faithfully carrying out our mission statement:
- Our mission is to ensure that all of our students secure the academic knowledge and skills to prepare them for the nation’s finest colleges, and to instill in them the core values of caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty.
As an icebreaker activity, all of our staff, newly-hired and veterans alike, are asked to prepare a presentation, skit, or song that is based around our mission statement and core values. We are always so excited to see and hear the creative ways in which our staff responds. For example, check out this clip of one of the groups who set the mission and values to a song here: https://www.facebook.com/149447231775171/videos/371735474562980
When his group was up to present their skit, newly-hired FA alum Trevon Haywood stood up holding a printout of his graduation photo and joyfully proclaimed, “I AM THE MISSION!” which resulted in a roomful of cheers and applause.
This year, we are so excited to share that we have had several alumni join our FAmily professionally. To get the inside scoop, we sat down with Trevon Haywood, Angel McCoy, Siani Crowell, and Jeannelle Escobar to ask them a few questions about why they wanted to return to Foundation as professionals, and what the opportunity means to them.
Here’s what they told us…
MEET Trevon Haywood – Interview Day Coordinator
What was it about your time at FA as a student that made you want to come back and work here?
Relationships with the community.
Why is it important for you to carry the mission of FA forward?
It’s important for me to carry the FA mission forward to show the youth from my city that what they see in their community isn’t the only option for them.
What does it mean to you personally to go from being a student here to now being in a teaching/support role?
It gives me the confidence to do anything in life. If I stay on the right track/path, then I will be successful. The fact that Foundation accepts us back shows Foundation’s dedication to the community.
What are your long-term goals for your career?
Law School.
What would you say to other alumni who may be considering coming to work at FA?
It will be an awesome experience!
MEET Angel McCoy – Paraprofessional
What was it about your time at FA as a student that made you want to come back and work here?
I enjoyed my time at FA as a part of the first graduating class in 2014. However, while I was here, the teachers were my inspiration and made me feel like I could do anything I put my mind to. Because of this, I wanted to give this same feeling to students I once looked like.
Why is it important for you to carry the mission of FA forward?
It is important for me to carry the mission of FA forward to change the perspective of those who do not have the motivation to follow their own dreams, even when times get hard.
What does it mean to you personally to go from being a student here to now being in a teaching/support role?
Honestly, it is an honor to be able to share my experiences from a student to now a staff at FAC. It makes me feel blessed to do so.
What are your long-term goals for your career?
As my second year as a paraprofessional, I hope to eventually receive my certification for math. If I am not able to, I am flexible in any way FAC needs me.
What would you say to other alumni who may be considering coming to work at FA?
Being able to come back from where you came from is the best feeling. You won’t know the impact you have on these students until you see their faces.
MEET Siani Crowell – 5th Grade Math Teacher
What was it about your time at FA as a student that made you want to come back and work here?
I believe the support, follow-through, and being a walking form of proof that the process works are the reasons I wanted to come back to Foundation and work here. I believe knowing I would be walking into a workspace where I felt support would be important, and also knowing I can support students the way I was supported, as well as the follow-through of knowing that after FA people still care about you and want the best for you. Lastly, it’s the WHY of being able to work with students like me and being able to show them why instead of just telling them.
Why is it important for you to carry the mission of FA forward?
It is important for me to carry the mission of FA forward because of how impactful their mission truly is. I was able to come from the City of Trenton where a lot of people don’t see hope in us, but Foundation sets the stage of believing and achieving goals from day 1 no matter the circumstances. That belief, that drive, and that push to want students and families to be successful can change and shape lives for the better, resulting in the cultivation of successful thinkers, learners, and leaders.
What does it mean to you personally to go from being a student here to now being in a teaching/support role?
For me personally, it is impactful. I am glad I achieved the goals set in front of me when I started 5th grade and I am proud to have made those that helped me get here feel proud as well; however, I know it doesn’t stop there. I know that the knowledge I gained and the care and love I received can go further through me. I truly care about the staff and students here and want to see everyone shine bright.
What are your long-term goals for your career?
I want to teach and gain the experience needed to eventually move into leadership roles such as Principal.
What would you say to other alumni who may be considering coming to work at FA?
Your experiences at Foundation are worth a thousand words! Your experiences can tell the story and be the WHY that staff members and students may need. Your experiences can also provide support in places that may motivate the people around you to keep going and never give up. Overall, just know the work you put in here as a student never goes unnoticed and is still appreciated, even after you’ve finished your time here as a student at FA.
MEET Jeannelle Escobar – Translator
What was it about your time at FA as a student that made you want to come back and work here?
I was given many opportunities to grow as a student, so I thought it’d be a great way to grow as an adult and in my career.
Why is it important for you to carry the mission of FA forward?
It is important for me to carry the mission of FA forward to help others achieve their goals and become greater versions of themselves.
What does it mean to you personally to go from being a student here to now being in a teaching/support role?
It means that I’m giving back to my community by helping children that look like me.
What are your long-term goals for your career?
I’d like to become a lawyer and give back to my community.
What would you say to other alumni who may be considering coming to work at FA?
It’s a great opportunity in which you can grow and be a helping hand to someone who needs it.
| Looking to make a positive impact on the students in the Trenton community? We invite you to visit our careers page and apply! |
Michelle Lawlor, Marketing and Communications Associate, spearheads Foundation Academies’ marketing and communication efforts. Born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey, Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/Multimedia Communications from Rider University.