SC Alaska News

#ASDShineBright Meet Anna! We are so proud to say she completed an internship with the district as a Talent Management Student Worker.

Anna Easton is an ASD graduate and graduated from the Adult Community Transition (ACT) Program May 2022. Students in the ACT program learn 25 Work Maturity Skills and work two days each week at a job on-site. The ACT leadership team recommended Easton for the internship upon completion of the program.

ACT program Vocational Coordinator Katy Boneta said Easton demonstrated her ability to be competitively employed through good attendance and prompt communication with her supervisors at the coffee shop.

"Anna is a good leader and has always been a good representative of the program," said Boneta.

Easton said her daily tasks as a student worker consisted of completing clerical tasks and greeting guests at the front desk. 

"It's really fun to see what's behind the scenes," said Easton. "I never knew how much went into ASD." 

Easton said the ACT program helped her socialize and learn how schedule transportation. The internship required Easton to practice independent bussing or get a ride from a friend. 

"This was an opportunity to learn and practice independence," said Easton. "Unfortunately it wasn't always easy being a student and being autistic. I faced a lot of bullying when I was younger but when I got older I found a good group of friends. Now I have ASD staff to help me." 

Talent Management Administrator Assistant Cristina Yambao said Easton is very good at customer service and was a big help to the front desk. 

"She made a connection with customers right away," said Yambao. "She easily adapts and is a quick learner. She has a very positive attitude and I just wanted her to stay here with me. If I asked for help, she did it well and she always did it right. I know she can grow and be successful." 

Anna said she is ready to see what else is out there in the world for her.

"I always enjoy my time at ASD," said Easton. "I want to work as a teacher assistant and help kids in special education. Right now though, I'm excited to practice the independence I learned."

To learn more about the ACT Program visit: https://bit.ly/3upEjhS

Original source can be found here.