This semester, Travois is proud to be a job partner in the Cristo Rey Kansas City Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP). We consider ourselves very fortunate to have Neal Patterson assigned to work with us!
Cristo Rey Kansas City, located in midtown Kansas City near Travois’ headquarters, is a college preparatory high school for urban youth. Students participate in a work-study program through which they gain real-world job experience while they finance the majority of the cost of their education.
Neal has been with us since mid-January. In that short time, he has jumped in feet-first, and he’s already started and completed projects for several of our teams. He is a quick and eager learner, which has made my job supervising him a lot of fun!
Here’s a quick look at our newest Travois team member, Neal Patterson:
1. Have you lived anywhere other than Kansas City?
No, I have lived in Kansas City my whole life, and I don’t think I’ll ever leave.
2. What is your favorite thing about Kansas City?
My favorite thing about Kansas City is the people and our sports teams.
3. What skills have you learned while being a part of CWSP?
The skills I have learned from the program are multitasking and people skills. Multitasking because there are a lot of things you have to do to remain on-task, but if you’re also asked to do something else, you have to do it. People skills because each time you go out there’s always a possibility for a new face, and new faces are exciting — so you have to be ready.
4. Do you think this program is helpful for high school students?
I think the program is very helpful to high school students. It teaches you a lot about what life is going to be like. The benefits are pretty much you are prepared for anything and everything as an adult.
5. What are your favorite things about school?
My favorite things about school are my classmates and lunch.
6. What are your hobbies outside of school?
My favorite hobbies are sports, mostly basketball, but I watch any sport that is on, and I get caught talking to the TV.
7. Have you started thinking about what you would like to do after high school?
Yes, I want to be a basketball coach and help kids to be the best and use their abilities.
The Travois team is looking forward to getting to know Neal more throughout the semester!
Cristo Rey Kansas City is a member of the Cristo Rey Network, which consists of 32 quality, Catholic, college preparatory high schools for urban youth with limited educational options. For more information on Cristo Rey Kansas City Corporate Work Study Program, please visit http://www.cristoreykc.org/work_study.