Staff Profile

Pictured above at Executive Assistant Andi Hammond's desk in Administration are Mariah Cohen and Damon Edmond, Jr., who agreed to be the subjects for the August "Staff Profile".  Both recently finished their six week assignments working at the Main Library as participants in the Mayor's Summer Job Program.  Damon worked under Andi Hammond's supervision and Mariah worked in Kathy Lussier's department, Community Relations & Marketing.  The summer job initiative was intended to help the teens build character and confidence, gain exposure to careers, and learn real skills for the workplace.  Mariah interviewed herself and Damon to answer the first four questions.

 Q: What did you do?

Mariah: I filed, distributed fliers and posters, set up meetings, helped update the library quarterly report and assisted with an article for the e-newsletter. I worked behind the scenes and observed the financial and creative aspects of the library.

Damon: My main duty was to help assist my supervisor with administrative duties. I filed and helped organize shelves and office supplies.

Q: What did you learn that will help you in the future?

Mariah: I learned to ask questions, to ask for help, to network and talk to people. At first, I’d just do my job and go. As time progressed, I interacted more with my coworkers to initiate meetings and help with projects.

Damon: I want to become a doctor and I know filing is important in the medical field. A coworker said that “filing could make all the difference between life and death.” I will never forget that. The experience was humbling and gave me a small snapshot of corporate America. One positive trait I learned was patience.

Q: What will you remember about this experience?

Mariah: The best thing about it was the people. And the group training we got at the beginning helped prepare me for future endeavors. I left the office every day with a smile on my face; I received sound advice for the work place and for school.

Damon: The people and the skills I’ve learned. My supervisor and coworkers taught me workforce related skills and skills to better myself as a young man

Q: What was the most surprising thing you learned about the library?

Mariah: I learned the library is a lot more than just books! It offers services to everyone. It is a multitude of things—a venue for meetings and weddings, a place for reading and research, a fun day for summer camps and school, and the list goes on. I developed a new appreciation for the library, especially seeing beneficial programs such as Talking Books and CAL.

Damon: The library is closely linked to our city government and it provides a multitude of services for our citizens.

Q:  What is something you want us to remember about you?

Mariah: One thing I would like you to remember is my drive and work ethic.  My dedication to this job/internship comes form wanting to be a role model to my generation and generations to come.  Young women all need a positive, respectable person to look up to and I choose to be that person that helps mold and shape others.  I always had a positive attitude and bright smile on my face, always eager to do what my day and job may bring.

Damon:  I hope you remember that I am a wonderful representation for the future generation.  I was a very hard worker and brought hope that the younger generations would bring forth great workers and role models.

Before their going away party here at Main, four of the youth workers, Damon, Mariah, Lakeisha Wright, and Nala Washington gave a PowerPoint presentation about the "scavenger hunt" assigned to them as their first duty.  The student workers explored downtown Jacksonville and were surpirsed at their many discoveries--a real history lesson that dealighted all of them.  Administration staffs were surprised at the comprehensive, professional presentation these bright young people made.  Yes, we will remember you as good role models for other young people and we appreciate your excellent work ethic.