In five to ten years, Samer Alzuhairi will be the guy you call to rewire your house or fix that light switch that, no matter how many times you try, it won’t turn on! He has a vision and a plan, and with help from his career mentor, Jason Hurley, inside sales leader at McNaughton-McKay Electric Company, it will become reality.
Samer entered our Workforce Prep program in tenth grade at Warren Mott High School in Warren. A self-described shy introvert, he was uncomfortable around people he didn’t know and unsure about what he’d do after high school.
“Then I met my career mentor, Jason,” said Samer. “I really didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. I liked the idea of being an electrician but didn’t know how to make that happen. Jason works for an electric company. He talked to me about the work and took me to his office. He helped me come out of my shell and learn how to connect with people. And now I know what I want to do.”
But that wasn’t it. Samer also learned about goal setting, then used that information to make a very positive change.
“There was one session where we talked about goals. I learned how short-term goals build you up to long-term goals. Jason helped me put together some goals for my biology grade and gave me tips for studying and time management. By the end of the semester, I improved my biology grade from a C to a B.”
For Jason, coaching Samer through our program has been a very fulfilling and enjoyable experience.
“I’m a big believer that every kid needs a chance to excel,” said Jason. “At first, Samer was kind of quiet, sizing up the program and seeing how it works. As time went on, he opened up, talked about his career interests, and his desire to go into the electrical field. He now has a vision and knows what he wants to do, and by working with him, he has elevated to the next level.”
Samer just started his junior year at Warren Mott and second year of our program. After graduating from high school, he plans to study electrical engineering in either trade school or college.
“I’m grateful for this program and it was nice to meet someone like Jason.”
Learn more about our award-winning Workforce Prep program or opportunities to be a career mentor for local highs school students.