For Flushing High School Graduate Diamond Stocker, it was TeenQuest that gave her the confidence to pursue her goals and dreams.
“Before TeenQuest, I was naïve and immature,” says Stocker, who worked for the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan through the Summer Youth Initiative, or SYI. “Now, I go for the things that I want to achieve.”
One of those achievements was receiving a promotion at Harbor Freight Tools, a retail chain carrying tools, hardware and other products for the home and garden.
Two years ago, Stocker started as a part-time employee at the Owosso store. And by building trust with her manager, within a year, she moved up to her current position as a senior sales associate.
Below, learn more about Stocker’s role at Harbor Freight and how TeenQuest helped her on her path.
What does a typical day look like at your job?
I assist the leadership team and help customers and sales associates.
What skills learned during for TeenQuest did you use when interviewing for this job?
TeenQuest taught us how to properly fill out applications. I also used the skills that I practiced in our mock interviews when I interviewed for my position.
What skills for TeenQuest do you use now that you have the job?
I always show up to work on time and with a positive attitude.
Other than work, what do you do?
Along with my full-time position, I am studying sociology at Mott Community College.
What advice would you give to current TeenQuest students?
Follow through with the program, and don’t give up.
What is a memorable moment from TeenQuest?
Getting to speak in front of everyone at graduation. It helped me build my leadership skills and self-esteem.
TeenQuest and Summer Youth Initiative are made possible through the generous support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.