Women's History Month JA Volunteer Spotlight - Susan Terry

Image caption: Susan Terry

Susan Terry, Administrative Assistant in the Legal Department with Chevron Phillips Chemical in The Woodlands has been a dedicated and enthusiastic JA volunteer for 6 years. Susan first learned about JA when her children were in elementary school. She was introduced to JA again when she joined CPChem. Susan stated, they were looking for volunteers to teach and felt it was a natural fit for her, as she had been a substitute teacher for many years. She jumped on the opportunity and has been volunteering ever since.

Susan explained volunteering and working with students provides the opportunity to feel connected to the community. Also, the chance to interact with the students and see how the students develop and retain JA information year after year. Susan shared, “I also love playing the JA “games” with them, which are really additional learning opportunities to help enforce the lesson. I feel pride in volunteering on behalf of CPChem and appreciate the opportunity to do so. The interaction with the students is priceless”. 

In a self-reflection she shared that, “working with the young children also keeps me on my toes and reminds me to be flexible. And the questions they ask are the best – usually not pertaining to the lesson at all! Most common question is “Do I have a pet?” and they typically want to see a picture of my dog”.

When asked what she would like to share with someone who may not be familiar with Junior Achievement she stated, she would share that, “JA is an introduction to topics that might not be covered in the school. The JA materials are all inclusive with easy to follow directions. It’s all extremely well organized and a JA contact stays on site the day of teaching, so you always have a resource. It is also an opportunity to encourage students to enjoy school now and absorb all they can at a young age”.

JA volunteers bring JA programs to life by sharing real life experiences and we could not accomplish the JA mission without people like Susan Terry who help teach lessons that will last a lifetime. Thank you, Susan for your dedication to Junior Achievement and the students’ lives you have touched through volunteering and encouraging others to do the same. Together we are Inspiring Tomorrows for many young students!

By: Becky Neeley