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 April, we are recognizing Kendall Colon-Moore, a junior in the Deaf Department. She is a Food Service Worker. Here is what her supervisor, Bobby Brown, had to say about Kendall:
"I would like to nominate Kendall Colon-Moore as April Employee of the Month. Kendall shows up on time for her shifts and communicates when there is a conflict with her schedule in advance. Kendall comes in ready to work. She assists with food prep without even asking what needs to be done. She can work all cold prep and serving stations in the kitchen. She is very proactive in our high paced work environment. Kendall helps prep fruit for breakfast and/or gets desert ready for dinner. Kendall serves on the line at dinner and helps in the dish room during the meal. She helps me communicate with the students when I am having difficulty understanding what the student is signing. Kendall’s work ethic is exemplary and is kept within the highest standards."
As an additional bonus, FSDB Director of Culinary Programs/Food Services, Jessica Littlefield recognized Kendall's excellent work ethic and wished to share a few words about Kendall as well:
"I personally want to nominate Kendall for April's employee of the month. Not only has she jumped in 100% at her job in the cafeteria, but she is eager to learn all stations and be of assistance to others and she communicates well with her supervisor. Her work ethic is by far superior to many. She is a top student in academics and involved in many school activities and still finds time to work. She is helpful to both staff and students and will jump to help someone in need without being told...even students from the blind department. She is compassionate and empathetic towards others and always polite. Her parents should be proud of the beautiful person she has grown into inside and out."
Employee Spotlight Interview with Kendall
Why did you want to work for Food Services?
That's a good question. I wanted to prepare myself as much as possible for the future because I know there are employers out there that would rather you have some type of employment experience before being considered for the job, so this was my first step into my future career. I also wanted to help and support my family in any way I could.
How do you balance your career and education?
I normally make a schedule for myself ahead of time. On the weekends, I would schedule whatever events or appointments will take place that following week and will adjust my schedule accordingly. With that information, I inform my boss in advance if I foresee any conflicts with my work schedule and my academic/extra-curricular activities.
What advice do you have for students who want to work on campus?
I would suggest they take responsibility for their actions and be more mature and professional in all things they do, whether in class or in the dorms. Motivating yourself and maintaining a good attitude and spirit is very important, otherwise you probably will not be recognized by future employers. Having a bad attitude or spirit on a daily or constant basis will also pull down their future co-workers and the customers and have a negative impact on the work environment.
What do you find most challenging about your job?
So far, my co-workers have been respectful and treated me as an equal. They are all willing to communicate with me in different ways that work the best for us. I love my job because the students that I serve are Deaf, so that allows me to communicate with them. Most of my co-workers are hearing and some do sign well and some are still learning and trying their best and that effort is appreciated. So far, I don't find anything truly challenging about my job because everyone works well together.
What do you like most about your job?
I think I have answered that in the previous question. My co-workers are friendly to me and I don't have issues with any of them. I do also love getting to see some former dorm staff who raised me when I was a student in elementary here and seeing the new generation of young children is pretty cool too.
What are your plans after FSDB?
After I graduate, I want to go to Florida Coast Technical College (FCTC) to enroll in a dental program that is 10 months long and get my certificate. As soon as I get my certificate, I will go to the University of Florida to continue with the dental program to specialize in becoming a future orthodontist.
If you can choose one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Spaghetti.
Any random facts you would like to share with us?
When people look at me, they think I am fearless, brave, confident and all. These are nice attributes to have, but I also get nervous a lot of times more often than people realize. Truthfully, I am actually a very shy person, but people don't see that. I try to encourage myself to be confident, brave, and fearless because I feel that it helps me grow more as a person by pushing me out of my comfort zone.
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
A lion because all I want to do is eat and sleep. That sounds like the way one should live.
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.