This week we are excited to introduce two new members of the Torsh team! Daejah Powell and Da’Jon Robert are interning with Torsh for the summer as part of the YouthForce NOLA program. YouthForce NOLA matches high school students with local companies. The goal is to give these students a meaningful summer and valuable work experience that will help them launch their careers. They will work with the entire team on a variety of projects including social media and marketing, sales support, product management and user experience design. While they’re at it, they’ll get a crash course in how Torsh is altering the landscape of teacher professional development through our proprietary platform, Torsh TALENT. Now, let’s hear what they have to say about what they hope to get out of the internship and what they have in mind for the future.
What do you hope to learn this summer while interning at Torsh?
Daejah: I hope to become more interactive with all kinds of people. Also, I hope to get a good understanding of what it’s like to work in a real business setting.
Da’Jon: This summer while interning at Torsh I hope to get a feel for what it’s like working in business.
What are your plans after high school?
Daejah: I plan on attending the University of New Orleans majoring in Tourism and Lodging. My goal is to eventually become a hotel manager.
Da’Jon: My plan after high school is to attend Clark Atlanta University to major in Pre-Physical Therapy.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Daejah: My favorite subject is chemistry, but mainly anything with sciences because I like to experiment with different outcomes.
Da’Jon: My favorite subject is math because I like the way it makes you think. I love that a problem can be solved in many different ways instead of one simple way.
What are five top goals you have for yourself?
Daejah: 1) To get a car before senior year is over 2) Graduate high school with a 3.8 cumulative GPA 3) Get into UNO with a full scholarship and graduate 4) Get a well paying job at a hotel 5) Not have to live paycheck to paycheck.
Da’Jon: 1) Graduate from high school 2) Have a job during senior year of high school 3) Get a full scholarship for college 4) Have a car before senior year ends 5) Get into Clark Atlanta University
Who do you look up to?
Daejah: I look up to my mother because she sets an example for me to follow. She’s just a good influence and a strong woman.
Da’Jon: I look up to both of my parents. Hearing their life story and just knowing how good I have it — better than they had when they were my age — it’s so inspiring. They take care of me and my brothers with such hard work and courage.
What is a quote that inspires you the most?
Daejah: “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.”
Da’Jon: “You are not what you have done — you are what you have overcome.”
What is your favorite book?
Daejah: My favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird. I read it my freshman year and have loved it ever since.
Da’Jon: I really don’t have a favorite book, but I like books that are thrilling and have a mystery to them.
Why did you take the opportunity to be an YouthForce Intern this summer?
Daejah: I took this opportunity because you never know what you’ll gain by taking risks. So I figured, why not? Even though they didn’t have my sector of interest, I still got training that I can use in any setting.
Da’Jon: I took the opportunity because it is giving me experience in the workforce, which is so valuable.
