Volunteer Spotlight - Debbie Peterson
Author: Ed Grocholski
Corporate Responsibility
Published:
Thursday, 22 Apr 2021
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Volunteer Spotlight - Debbie Peterson
Image caption: image of volunteer debbie peterson
“I hope the students use the skills they gained to make better lives for themselves and also help others who may not have had the opportunity to take part in these programs.”
Making sure that customers are treated fairly is among the job responsibilities of Debbie Peterson, Manager of Business Risk and Internal Controls with Discover. Fairness is an admirable trait for someone who chooses to volunteer for Junior Achievement in their spare time.
Over the past four years, Debbie has led JA programs ranging from More than Money to It’s My Future and is about to embark on running her first virtual JA Finance Park session. She is looking forward to watching the high schoolers make financial decisions and see the impact of their choices.
“Keeping finances in order is a skill these students will need to have a firm grasp of in the very near future,” said Debbie, also a registered CPA. “Kids need to start off right, or they may get into a hole that’s hard to dig out of.”
As a youngster, Debbie herself took part in the JA My Company program. It was there she gained the know-how and confidence to talk to executives and interact professionally for the first time. She was determined to give back to other students, helping them learn things that aren’t always taught in school, about credit cards, check books, and interest payments.
“We have touched upon resume writing, cover letters, and job interviews, including basic professional behaviors such as keeping your cell phone off and staying focused. We also have covered different types of careers and which skills are required for each type of job.”
To others considering volunteering with JA, Debbie says that the impact you will make on kids’ lives will help them and be something they remember. You’ll be happy just to see the excitement in the kids’ eyes and how they light up by learning new things.
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