MEET Jean!

 

Jean is a 17-year-old sophomore at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School in Boston. He was nominated by long-time referral partner, Joe Jackson, and his Summer Search mentor is Melissa Witcher.

Why did you apply for Summer Search?
I have two friends who are in Summer Search and they always talk about it. My friends told me that it was very challenging, and that there were bad times too, but at the end they felt like that had accomplished something. I thought that sounded like a really good feeling, so I wanted to get it too.

How does it feel to be in Summer Search?
The first time I talked with Melissa, it was awkward. But now I’m more friendly with her. I made a date and I call her every Monday, but sometimes I’m kind of nervous, because I don’t know what I’m going to talk about. I feel great afterward though. This summer I’m going to North Carolina with Outward Bound. I like new challenges so I’m looking forward to it.

Have you learned anything about yourself from being in Summer Search?
They have pushed me to become more selfless and not think only about myself, but also about other people around me, and how I can be part of the community. I think Summer Search is helping me discover myself, and think about my surroundings and how I can help other people. I like it.

Joe Jackson has been referring students to Summer Search Boston for an awe-inspiring nine years! For him, “Jean stood out in so many ways. He’s very driven, very motivated. He’s only been in America for about a year. It’s incredible how much he has achieved so far. He’s soft-spoken and humble and this is just what he needs. The mentoring is going to get him more of that personal attention he deserves. Summer Search is that extra boost that will help steer him in the right direction for life.”

According to Jean’s mentor, Melissa, “What really stood out in his interview was the way he talked about the poverty in Haiti, and wanting to help people who were going without. We asked him who motivates him and why, and he said Che Guevara and Obama, for the impact that they’ve made on people’s lives and how they show care for other people. I have a lot of faith that Jean will come back from his trip with a new ability to let his guard down and truly connect with and care for other people in a profound way.”