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 January, we are recognizing Dylan Davis, a senior in the Deaf Department. He works as a Recreation Department Assistant. Here is what her supervisor, Mary Wesley Fisher, had to say about Dylan:
"Dylan works as a Recreation Assistant and does an exceptional job. Dylan leads activities for Elementary, Middle, and High school students. Dylan provides a lot of leadership, and the elementary students respect him as a positive role model. Dylan helps in the office with inputting activities in Google classroom monthly.
Dylan also volunteers to work additional hours in the Athletic Department. He knows how to run the clock for volleyball, football, and basketball games. He also knows how to keep the Libero tracker for volleyball, and he's learning how to keep the books as well. Dylan is always punctual and stays late to make sure everything is cleaned, and strives to be a true professional.
As an additional bonus, Scott Botelho, our own after school campus work program's A/V Technician supervisor, noticed Dylan's excellent work ethics and would like to share a few words about Dylan as well. Here is what he had to say about Dylan:
"I work with Dylan Davis almost every day after school. Even when I'm not working Rec and I'm doing Livestream for sports, he's there. Dylan does all of the rec paperwork, sign up sheets, sign-in sheets, runs events, jumps in to help me whenever I'm short-staffed for production events and does the headcounts for any trip we take. I'm currently on a trip with Rec/Dance Troupe/Elementary Dance Program to Gainesville to see the Nutcracker Ballet, and Dylan is here. He volunteers his time far beyond the ten hours the kids can get. Just the other week, Dylan and I were here with Nick Stanfield and Lia Ferrante late into the night, hours after we were all off the clock, washing cheer uniforms for the LA Competition. There are days I feel like Sue, Donna, Billy, Lia, Mary, Renot, and I wouldn't be able to do the things we do without him being there to help us along the way."
Employee Spotlight Interview with Dylan
Why did you want to work for the Recreation Department?
Actually, I worked for the Athletics Department first before being transferred to work for Recreation. When I was working for the Athletics Department, I took care of taking scores on the scoreboard during basketball games and I helped with cleaning post-game events. It was my goal to enhance my employability skills while being compensated for it. I do still help out with the Athletics Department a lot since I know the ins and outs of how to run an event to ensure it goes smoothly. I like seeing students enjoying themselves during recreation activities as well.
How do you balance your career and education?
Usually, it would largely depend on what is going on that day. I would go to the dorm and finish my homework after I am done working or I would also complete my homework in between work sessions if there is enough gap between work. I manage my time around athletics and recreation departments, mostly.
What advice do you have for students who want to work on campus?
Make sure it's something you know you will enjoy doing, so that way you will have fun working at your job.
What do you find most challenging about your job?
Communicating with blind people has been challenging for me, but I try the best I can to work with them during recreation activities. I always make it work, though.
What do you like most about your job?
I love teaching students how to play and to be a scorekeeper during basketball games.
What are your plans after FSDB?
After graduation, I will go to college. I have not decided which college I want to attend yet. I currently work at BJ's Restaurant on the weekends and holidays and I would like to be able to keep my job at BJ's after graduation and go to college while holding a part-time job.
If you can choose one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
For me, it would be hamburgers.
Any random facts you would like to share with us?
I've never gone ice skating before.
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
A dog because they're always playful and love to socialize.
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.