On the Job: Myisha Manning

For 2024 Beecher High School graduate Myisha Manning, Summer Youth Initiative (SYI) has been an important part of her life. Since 2021, Manning has worked in the SYI program through the Beecher School District.

As an SYI employer, the school district leverages its community partnerships to offer a variety of work opportunities at local businesses, restaurants, and even the school. In Manning’s case, she’s worked for Salvation Army, Roma’s, and – most recently – Beecher High School.

“Because I have experience from several places, and learned something from each, I can take that with me into the real world,” Manning said.

In her current role, Manning has been able to use her creativity to help get the school ready for the next school year over the summer: “I like being able to create things like the message boards around the school.”

The editors of Talent Connections recently spoke with Manning about her experiences in the program and what’s next for her. Here’s what she had to say.

What stands out to you as TeenQuest’s most memorable lesson?

Learning how to communicate with the employers and the on-site boss and working on timely pace.

What skills will you take with you to your next job?

The office skills I have learned and working with the public will be really helpful.

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

Working at the school after having gone to school at Beecher.

What advice can you offer current and former students of TeenQuest and the Summer Youth Initiative?

It takes some time to understand things at the job you take. You won’t understand everything at first, so don’t try to match other people’s pace.

What’s next?

I am going to go to Mott (Community College) and get a certificate in baking and pastry. Then, I will take classes toward a PHD in psychology. After that, I am going to a four-year university. I would like to be a cognitive psychologist and as a side hustle do baking and pastries.

You have a strong work ethic. Where do you think that comes from?
My mom told me how when she was 14, she got her first job, and she wanted me and my sister to follow in her footsteps. She wanted me to get used to the working world. I continued working because it gave me the experience … and I appreciated having extra money to save.