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 September, we are recognizing Savannah Lindberg, a junior in the Blind Department. She is a Boarding Program Assistant. Here is what her supervisor, Marvette Butler, had to say about Savannah:
"When Dorm Staff is asked their impressions of Savannah Lindberg, the response is almost universally, “Oh my gosh… Amazing!” She is respectful, dependable, kind, positive, friendly and most importantly, effective. Her rapport with the students makes them exceptionally responsive to her instruction and her patience has helped so many students get past that “sticking point” in their problem subject. She’s willing to help wherever needed and is diligent in giving her best effort to any task. Staff and students alike are always happy to see Savannah. With her unflappably upbeat attitude she’s a bright spot in the day whenever she appears."
Employee Spotlight Interview with Savannah
Why did you want to work for the Boarding Program?
The main reason I applied for this position is because I have a dream to become a teacher someday. This seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to help the younger students. I also wanted to be able to have that firsthand experience of teaching.
How do you balance your career and education?
Usually, I will try to work on my homework, especially during those days when I am not scheduled to work. That gives me the opportunity to focus on my classwork. I also have a lot of study hall, which I use most of my time to complete assignments.
What advice do you have for students who want to work on campus?
I think probably finding a job that works best for you. Always try to keep a good balance between your work and social life. Be able to focus on your education too. Find a good balance is always important.
I think I would tell them to find a job that works best for them. Also, to always try their best and maintain a good balance between work and social life. They need to be able to stay on top of their education, which is very important, too.
What do you find most challenging about your job?
When I see someone struggling or having a difficult time with something, then that gives me the opportunity to figure out a way that I think will help them the best I know how. It's challenging to try and meet each individual's needs, but that's the part I love.
What do you like most about your job?
I like seeing students succeed through their challenges and grow in their ability, both academically and their skills. I help students learn some life skills too. Being able to see them grow and succeed is the most rewarding part of my job.
What are your plans after FSDB?
As I briefly mentioned before, I want to become a teacher someday. I plan on going to Saint Johns River State College (SJRSC) to get my Associate of Arts degree first before transferring to a different college. I'm still undecided about what college I would like to go to after SJRSC. I am still deciding if I want to become a TVI (teacher of the visual impaired) or focus on a specific subject, but I know I want to teach. I am still figuring out the details.
If you can choose one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tacos because you can have a variety of flavors. You can be creative with what goes inside them and they taste amazing.
If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I think it'll be awesome to meet Benjamin Franklin because I believe he was the first person to come up with a public library. If not, he was the person who strongly advocated for it and made it become popular. He also did a lot for science in general, having come up with his inventions.
If you could choose a superpower, what would you choose and why?
This may be weird, but I will choose to have the ability to connect to the internet/wifi without having to connect to any computer or device; it will all be operated entirely from my brain. I think that would be cool.
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.