Career Build Spotlight: Megan Black

I became involved with College Dreams* through an IEP (Individual Education Plan) group at North Valley High. I saw how everyone struggles in the transition from graduation to trying to find a job and career. I knew that taking advantage of opportunities to try different career paths and have support getting to college would benefit me in the future. Originally, my goal was to enter the military, but I had an opportunity to enter a summer program interning in Portland with All Seasons Hospice doing palliative caregiving. I learned from that experience that I loved giving back, but had a lot of energy and wanted to work with kids. Through the Career Build Program, I was able to get a paid internship at Club Northwest working in their “Kid Zone” daycare facilities. After the 150 hours of internship, Club Northwest offered me a job and I have been working there for the past 7 months.

My mom was a teacher, and I have always volunteered or been involved in social services; working with developmentally disabled people, the elderly, and children. My passion is definitely in giving back to the community. I just needed to figure out what track I wanted to take. I am currently enrolled at RCC working on pre-requisites and starting to take my Early Childhood Education classes. I received enough scholarships to pay for my entire Associates Degree program and plan to transfer to SOU to pursue my teaching credentials in 2021. At Club Northwest’s Kid Zone, I feel like I have found my career path. I love working with children and there is always a need for teachers!

*This Career Build Spotlight was written before College Dreams became Project Youth+. Read more about our transformation.