Each month, the FSDB Career Development Department selects a Student Employee of the Month. Students in the after-school campus work program will be chosen based on their excellent work ethic in their respective paid positions on campus after school.
For the month of February, we are recognizing Alicia Aviles, a continuing education student in the Deaf Department. She is a Dragon's Lair Worker. Here is what her supervisor, Kevin Voelker, had to say about Alicia:
"I choose Alicia Aviles to be Employee of the Month because she shows up to work on time every Monday and Tuesday. She is a great worker overall and always have a great attitude. She never complains."
Employee Spotlight Interview with Alicia
Why did you want to work in the Dragon's Lair?
I wanted to practice my frying skills and so far I've been able to master that skill. I know how to fry chicken fingers, cheese sticks, chicken wings, fries, and so on. I now know the correct temperature to check for to ensure the food doesn't burn. I also learned how to cook hamburgers and ensure it is cooked well. On top of that, I wanted to learn customer service skills and I love cooking.
How do you balance your career and education?
Typically, after 3:30pm, I go to the dorm and relax myself for a little bit. After that, I get started on my homework if I have any. If I'm scheduled to work that day and I have not finished my homework, then I will do it after I get off from work.
What advice do you have for students who want to work on campus?
I will tell them if they want to cook in Dragon's Lair, then they will need to understand how to fry food and check the food's temperature. They will need to keep practicing their culinary skills. If a student wants to work in Dragon's Lair, they will need to be able to have good customer service skills and know how to memorize menu items as well.
What do you find most challenging about your job?
Counting money is something I still struggle with. I will keep practicing and get better with that.
What do you like most about your job?
I love giving people their food orders and seeing them happy when they take a bite of their food. I know hungry people aren't always the happiest people, so when they have food in their tummy, they are happy and I love seeing that. I also love cooking.
What are your plans after FSDB?
I know that my last day at FSDB will be on May 27th. My parents and I have plans to have Vocational Rehabilitation to assist me with the job search. I hope to work at Publix. I want to learn how to communicate with hearing people too.
If you can choose one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Cheese sticks.
Any random facts you would like to share with us?
My favorite season of all time is summer.
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
A raven bird because they represent transformation, rebirth, longevity, and affection. It matches my zodiac sign.
About the After School Campus Work Program
The FSDB After School Campus Work Program provides additional Career Development opportunities to FSDB students (16+) through a structured campus work program delivered outside of the academic day. Students 16 years of age or older will have the opportunity to apply for vacant positions. Students go through a competitive hiring process. They review job postings that include a detailed job description, essential functions, and qualifications.
About FSDB
The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind is a tuition-free state public school in historic St. Augustine, available to eligible pre-K and K-12 students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired or deafblind. The FSDB experience gives students the edge to do more, be more, and achieve more, fulfilling our vision of preparing them for a lifetime of success. Early intervention and outreach services are also available throughout the state of Florida. Private donations help to support programs that directly benefit students which are not covered by state funds. To inquire about enrollment, contact Parent Services at 904-827-2212 or 904-201-4527 VP. To schedule a campus tour, contact Outreach Services at bit.ly/fsdbtours. For more information, visit fsdbk12.org.