Post by Sue Ching Ung, M.Ed.

I recently celebrated four years at Junior Achievement of Greater Boston and in this time, I have grown confident in myself and the work that I do for the young people we serve and the companies we partner with. I joined JA out of grad school with almost no experience. The chapter took a chance on me and has provided me with many opportunities to challenge myself, take creative freedom, and take the lead on a handful of programs and initiatives. I am very grateful for these experiences and to be part of a team that works with integrity and respect for one another. I’m only human, there have been times when I’ve taken JA for granted. There are periods of time that are especially tough. I get through those times by remembering my “why” — the young people I want to reach. I see so much of myself in them, and I want to give back to our focus communities because I had nothing close to JA when I was growing up. When I was younger, I was never exposed to career options, or the idea of being an entrepreneur, and I am learning about my personal finances as an adult. The young people we work with are way ahead of me! Every person defines success in their own way. I truly believe that the programs we offer helps young people to learn what success means to them. Things that seem impossible can become possible. I am not perfect. I never will be. I still make mistakes but that does not make me a failure. I have a lot more to learn. These days, the young people open my eyes to their perspective of the world. I have a long way to go in my career, but I am very happy with where it all began, at JA.