Page 10 - 2024-JFY-Annual-Report

SAMYA NORRIS

she/her/hers

2025 Summer Scholar & Intern

In my senior year of high school, I was fortunate to be

among the twenty Jobs for Youth (JFY) Al Teglia

Scholarship recipients. This was one of the first times I

was introduced to JFY; however, it wasn’t until the

annual JFY Scholar Celebration that I could see how

much of a community I was being invited into.

Being a JFY Scholar has meant more to me than just financial support — it has been a

life-changing opportunity for both me and my single mother. The scholarship helped

alleviate the economic burden of college preparation, allowing my mom to take me to

school with less stress and more pride and hope in our future. Receiving this kind of

support has been powerful for my mental health and my motivation. Furthermore, I

was able to meet and talk to mentors that encouraged my success through support

and wise words. It reminded me that I’m not alone—that there are people out there

who believe in my potential and are willing to invest in my success and this inspired

me to apply for any opportunities that I ever questioned. Without a doubt, I applied to

be a JFY Summer Intern, which has been just as impactful. I’ve been surrounded by

incredible people who want to see me thrive daily. This environment has been filled

with encouragement and inspiration from mentors who guide me with compassion

and from peers who uplift me. Everyone here believes in each other’s goals and

pushes one another to reach them before the internship ends. I’ve felt seen,

supported, and empowered to grow professionally and personally.