Students in Anderson Middle School’s Jobs for America’s Graduates class enjoyed a presentation from local business owner Mecal Volter, with an emphasis on setting goals and finding success in life regardless of circumstances. 

“I want to further their thinking,” Volter said. “The world is bad, so I want them to know that somebody cares about them and let them know that there is a way out, a way that they can make it.”

Volter, a 16-year veteran barber who owns Meek’s Chop Shop at 910 E. Main St. in New Iberia, told stories of his life growing up on the West Side and attending Anderson Middle School. 

According to Volter, giving back to the community that raised him has always been an important part of his life. From mentoring up-and-coming barbers to providing free haircuts and other support to students who are struggling financially, Volter puts his money where his mouth is when it comes to helping others, especially in his own community. 

“It melts my heart because I walked these same halls,” he explained. “When I was in school, there was always crime going on outside, so being able to come back and be the example for the next generation and be proof that you can be from here and still make it, that feels good.”

Volter’s message on Thursday was simple: set goals and work hard to achieve your dreams. At the start of the presentation, each student was given a piece of paper and asked to think about their goals on a one-year, five-year and 10-year basis. With their goals decided, Volter then challenged each student to consider what is required to achieve them and what alternative options are available should they need to change course. 

The presentation is part of a series that JAG teacher Taylor Fondal has kept going all year for his students. 

“It’s an opportunity to show the kids that people come from the same places as they do and are able to make something of themselves. It’s a way to motivate them,” he said.

The speakers Fondal brings in all come from varied backgrounds, but the common theme is rising to challenges to make the most of your own abilities. According to Fondal, the reception from both speakers and students has been overwhelmingly positive.

“On my off time I go and meet with people throughout the city and try to get them to come talk,” Fondle said. “The reception has always been positive. They love the kids and they always want to have the opportunity to give back to the community and show that there is always an option for them. We have speakers pretty often, maybe nine or 10 times a year, and we always have a good turnout. We’ve had lawyers, doctors, real estate agents; we don’t discriminate against anyone who wants to come and show these kids that there are opportunities available. The kids love it.”

Jobs for America’s Graduates is a school-to-career program implemented in over 1,000 high schools, alternative schools, community colleges and middle schools across the United States. JAG’s mission is to keep young people in school through graduation and provide work-based learning experiences that will lead to career advancement opportunities or to enroll in a post-secondary institution that leads to a rewarding career. JAG was started by Pete DuPont, then Governor of Delaware, and Kenneth M. Smith.