The FSDB Career Development Department selects a Student Employee of the Month each 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 April, we are recognizing Luis Merced, a continuing education student in the Deaf Department who works as an Athletics Assistant. Here is what his supervisor, Billy Lange, had to say about Luis:
This month he worked so hard. He worked with Girls Flag Football team all the way from day one. He also helped to set up the football field for the game and cleaned up the field after the game! When I ask for him, he shows up without any questions asked!
Employee Spotlight Interview with Luis
Why did you want to work for the Athletics Department?
I like athletics because I am an athlete. I like helping in sports events and learning the skills. I like working with and helping the coaches with anything they need help with.
How do you balance your career and education?
School is important, all day I go to school and focus on school then I go to work and focus on my work there. After work I catch up on my homework in my apartment.
What advice do you have for students who want to work on campus?
I would advise the students to make sure to work hard and not be lazy. You can learn who you are at work and focus while you are there.
What do you find most challenging about your job?
Sometimes I struggle with doing a lot of work when I am alone but I find balance in my work.
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy sports and love watching football and basketball.
What are your plans after FSDB?
Once I finish FSDB I might go to college in the fall, if not I will work in construction. I have not decided yet but those are my choices right now.
If you can choose one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Puerto Rican food.
If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I would want to meet my grandmother because I knew her when I was little and she loved me. I look forward to meeting her again one day.
If you could choose a superpower, what would you choose and why?
I would want to be strong like the Hulk.
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 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.