HI all,

As those of you who have been on this message board for some time know, I have never posted anything like this and I promise it will not be a common occurrance. I wouldn't normally do this but I consider this situation to be a rare one, so I am going to stick my neck out here and ask if anyone might work for a strong business/marketing/consulting company that is looking for summer interns. I have an exceptional student (actually former student - he graduated last weekend), who could really use the experience of working in said fields AND could really, really use the cash.

This young man is extremely mature, hard working, responsible and has great work experience (I can provide a resume to anyone who needs it). He is a solid student and will matriculate to a well-regarded Big 10 University this fall majoring in business (probably marketing). Due to circumstances beyond his control, he has worked two jobs throughout his senior year and continues to do so (he should be working over 70 hours per week this summer between the two jobs) in the hope of making enough money to pay the difference between what the University was able to offer him in financial aid and what he can afford (which, according to the FAFSA, is $215.00 - yes, barely over $200). He has few economic resources (ie. it won't come from a parent or parent figure). It is unlikely that he will be able to make the kind of money he needs to pay the bill and still make car and insurance payments, cell phone payments, etc...

One last item: He went to the International DECA competition in California in May due to his great success at the state level here in Illinois. He earned a medal there in Marketing which is a testament to his abilities.

If there is a possiblity that your company might be able to offer this young man a truly beneficial experience for the duration of the summer (he goes to school August 23rd), please call my on my cell phone 890-2336. Of course, you would interview him and do all the usual "stuff" - I don't consider any opportunities to interview a guarantee that he would actually earn a job but I know he would greatly appreciate the opportunity.

If I could afford to give him the money, I would. He is a great investment. In my 13 years as a teacher and counselor, I would be hard-pressed to think of a single student who is more deserving of this kind of opportunity - and I really don't say that unless I mean it! Thanks for reading! (And this keyboard stinks so please forgive any typos!)

Amy...the student should get in contact with either of these two organizations:

Chicago Assn of Direct Marketing
Direct Marketing Association

both have job boards/banks. The tough part will be that it's already well into summer. Unfortunately, we're already set for the summer.

Thanks - I know that is definitely a problem. Unfortunately, he only just received his final financial aid package and was short-changed fairly substantially...not what we were expecting/hoping for. I will tell him to check it out and thank you very much!