On the Job: Holly Morang 

Since high school, Holly Morang has been interested in technology and the future of security. The 2022 graduate of Davison High School pursued computer information systems while in high school with an eye on her future.  

“I took some Career Technical Education courses, as well as computer programming and website design, and found them really interesting,” says Morang. “I thought, ‘This is what I want to pursue.’” 

During high school, she took part in TeenQuest and Summer Youth Initiative (SYI). There, she got the hands-on work experience she had been missing. Morang worked at the Flint & Genesee Literacy Network through Mott Community College from 2021-22. She liked it so well that she continued to work there after the summer as a work-study student.  

“I loved it. I’m still in contact with pretty much everybody I worked with there,” says Morang. “I made some good connections.” 

The lessons she learned at TeenQuest and while working for the Flint & Genesee Literacy Network helped her after she graduated from high school.  

“They taught me how to be more professional at work,” says Morang. “I feel like that helps me get far.” 

After graduating from high school, Morang attended Mott Community College, but she didn’t find it a good fit.  

“College wasn’t working out for me,” says Morang. “I enjoyed it, but I wasn’t interested in it anymore. I wanted to do something a little more exciting.” 

Something that excited her was service in a branch of the armed services. Having investigated the Air Force, that seemed like the best fit due to their STEM-related jobs. Once she had joined, a new opportunity presented itself.  

“I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do yet, and my recruiter called me and said, ‘The Space Force wanted to know if you were interested in a job with them. The job is called Space Systems Operator’,” says Morang. “I read up on the job and thought it sounded cool. I was interested.” 

Getting into this new branch of service, founded in 2019, called on her experience in TeenQuest by writing resumes and interviewing.  

“Space Force had this application process, and I had to pass the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery),” says Morang. “You had to fill out a job questionnaire. They have a board to review your answers and decide whether you are material for the Space Force. They only took 500 people in that year when they picked me.” 

While there isn’t much Morang can share regarding the specifics of her work in the Space Force, she says she works a Day Schedule, starting at 6 a.m. and working until 2 p.m., when her shift ends. She works on a sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) and does operations work.  

Service in the Space Force has fascinated Morang as the branch becomes more established among the others.   

“All the jobs we have on the Space Force used to be Air Force jobs. We’re slowly starting to break away from the Air Force,” says Morang. “It’s been interesting being a part of a new branch because you get to see all the trial and error that comes with trying new things like scheduling and our mission as a whole.” 

As for her future, Morang plans to remain in the Space Force and retire as an officer. She’s working on her bachelor’s degree and hopes to one day get into cybersecurity and networking once she’s out of the military.  

Do you have a memory or moment that stands out from the SYI? 

My time in SYI stands out to me because it really helped me understand what it’s like to have a job. It was the first job I ever had. It was also just a really cool experience.   

What advice can you offer current and former students of TeenQuest/SYI? 

When it comes to a job, your supervisors expect a lot from you, but you must do what you’re told. Communication is key for your job.  

What is your proudest moment since graduating TeenQuest? 

 Graduating from basic military training and pursuing a job in Space Force.  

If you had one endorsement for TeenQuest to encourage young people to take it, what would you say? 

I would tell them it’s a great opportunity to get a head start on getting a pretty good job that’s not fast food or retail. It helps you understand workplace etiquette. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. If you ever get the opportunity to do TeenQuest – do it. You will not regret it.