The Real World

Last year we had a high school junior, Karissa, intern with Worx. She's one heck of an artist and has a hard working spirit. For about 12 weeks, she spent time with us to find out if design was a career choice she would like to pursue. The thing I love about Karissa is she is one of the most giving human beings I've ever met. She donates her time with various organizations, serves as a mentor to other youth and gives her time at homeless shelters. Her summer job this year is working with elderly, reading them books, playing cards and being a positive companion. I love her spirit.

This past weekend, I was honored to be part of her graduation party. She and her family invited us into their home to be part of a wonderful celebration. She asked if we would all write some inspiring words into her journal, and about 2 paragraphs into it, I started to cry. Karissa gave me a reminder of where I started. Who says a young female artist graduating high school can't tackle the world? Sounds familiar. When I look at Karissa, I see myself, 9 years ago. At her party, I had a huge sense of accomplishment, as if I had just graduated...not high school, but the next chapter of my life.

This girl is packed full of talent and compassion. She's closed one chapter but her book will have a long and powerful story. Later this month she'll start her college journey at Full Sail University, online, majoring in design. I'm honored to know Karissa, as she makes me strive to be a better person.