Not Yet 20
Though teens typically seek out jobs or internships during summer vacation, with so many adults currently out of work, their opportunities for employment were unusually scarce this summer. WKCD recently spoke with three 19-year olds, all of whom not only made the most of a tight job market but also took on distinctly adult responsibilities.
Sean Ryan pulled two 12-hour duty shifts per week at the North San Juan Fire Protection District, Station 3, in central California, where he serves as the resident firefighter. Sean likes the “adrenaline rush” he gets from responding to calls and fighting fires, but that’s not the only appeal:
“I really enjoy the feeling of helping people in need. I also enjoy the camaraderie within the [fire] department—which, no, is not at all affected by my [young] age.”
Gerardo “Promise” Vargas, who owns his own independent music label, helped run a six-week video workshop for New York City teens. He explains that
making documentary videos and becoming socially aware changed his outlook and future goals:
“Three years ago, my big dream was to be this super rapper—and that was it. No back-up, no alternative. And though I still have my dream, now I’m a lot more realistic... Even when I make my music, I don’t want to just entertain or make a lot of money. I have a message I want people to hear.”
Billy Hallowell, who at 15 created an anti-violence, anti-discrimination website for teens in the wake of the Columbine High School shootings, made a 140-mile bicycle tour to honor victims of youth violence. He is also pursuing a national speaking tour and a book project as part of his effort to reach out to his peers.
“My long-term goal is to be a journalist, but a good journalist, if there is such a thing! I’d like to be the kind of journalist that can make a difference and send positive messages about youth.”
Click here or on the names above for WKCD’s interviews with Sean Ryan, Promise Vargas, and Billy Hallowell.