HAPPY VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK!
April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week, and there is no better time to pause and recognize the selfless contributions of our extraordinary JA Volunteers who inspire and motivate us every day.
Throughout the week, we’ll be featuring JA Volunteers who go above and beyond to connect students with the learning experiences they need for an inspired and successful future.
Read JA Volunteer Scott Gold’s Q&A with JA below!
Scott Gold, Director, TeraThink Corporation
JA: How have you volunteered with JA and what compelled you to do so?
Scott: In 2020 I volunteered as one of the mentors for JA student company Sasa Socks. My company, TeraThink, has participated with JA in the past; however, this year is the first year we hosted a company. When the opportunity was presented to me, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to give back to the community and help students gain new business skills, all while having fun. It is a great program and I hope to continue volunteering in the future.
JA: What is the biggest personal benefit you receive as a JA volunteer?
Scott: Seeing the students succeed and do a better job building a company than I could have ever dreamed of building when I was their age. It is truly inspiring to see how motivated and creative these students are.
JA: What is your favorite JA memory?
Scott: A couple of months ago I was on my personal Instagram account and saw a post that Sasa Socks were now available for purchase at UFC Gyms. To this day I am still not sure how they were able to pull that one off! It is just an awesome accomplishment and again, shows just how motivated these students are toward being successful.
JA: What do you wish more people knew about JA or what would you tell someone that is thinking about volunteering with JA?
Scott: I would tell anyone thinking about volunteering that it is probably going to be more work and more of a time commitment than you think it will be, but also that it is going to be more rewarding. Building a company from scratch in just a matter of a few weeks is no small feat, but when that company becomes successful, it is such a great feeling for everyone involved.
JA: What advice would you give to the next generation?
Scott: Always continue to build your network and learn from people of all different backgrounds and experiences. That network will be crucial as you progress through your career; seek guidance from those who have accomplished what you hope to accomplish one day.
Interested in hearing more inspiring stories from our JA Volunteers? Check out more spotlights below.
To learn how you can get involved with or support JA, send us an inquiry.
