Boys & Girls Club Blog

The recently added position through the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh this past year was the role of the Club’s Graduation & Career Coordinator. This position was taken by Jed Carlson, a former employee of the Club. Jed’s time is divided between the Club and Oshkosh North High School  in order to have a representative reaching kids directly in the school. He meets with students to help with career exploration, staying on track to graduation and post high-school decisions. He also helps students with homework, good study habits and the importance of nutrition. Continue reading below for an update from Jed. 

“What an interesting few weeks it has been. From adjusting to working from home to learning how to help students navigate OASD’s new online learning requirements, it has been nothing short of busy. It seems like there is something new to learn everyday with these radical changes. Right now, the biggest thing we are working on is figuring out how to safely offer online virtual programming for our Club teens. I have interviewed a few of our members on what they would like to see and participate in this time of quarantine. Some ideas from the teens are online scavenger hunt, group chat with members to check in on each other, book club, exercise videos and online trivia.

In the meantime, I have been able to connect with students via email and calls to catch up on how their online learning is going. So far it has been mixed reviews as some members love it and others find it difficult to stay focused at home. Those finding it hard to stay focused have started finding success after setting up a personalized schedule.

One Club member in particular found that working for 45 minutes on homework, taking a 10-15 minute break, resuming again for another 45 minutes and then taking another 10-15 minute break has helped them stay focused. They repeat this cycle three times a day and find they get most, if not all, of their work for that day completed.

I want to encourage all of us to stay strong and to ask for help when needed.  Club staff are here to support our families and help get them through this trying time. Shout out to the seniors that get to see the light at the end of this tunnel! Although your senior year may not look at all like what you expected, that high school diploma is still yours for the taking!”

Your Graduation & Career Coordinator,

Jed