Dear TAF, 
 
I know you are used to receiving our typical newsletter, but I want to try something different. My days are filled with the exciting growth that's happening at TAF. I thought you'd like to hear about the experience first-hand.
 

The highlight of this week was meeting some of the 6th and 8th graders at Totem Middle School. We have been talking to all the classes about enrolling at TAF Academy in Federal Way next fall. As part of a class exercise, we asked the students to draw how they see themselves in the year 2020. I noticed one Latino boy who was goofing off (not unusual for some 8th graders). When I asked what he wanted to do after graduating high school, he responded, "Work at McDonald's." He didn't mean the old aviation company, McDonnell-Douglas.

February 5, 2008

Upcoming Event

7th Annual
Leadership Breakfast:
We hope to see you all at the Seattle Westin on Tuesday, March 25. Register online or call (206)725-9095, ext. 32 for attendance and sponsorship information.

I couldn't believe my ears. I replied, "Well, then why don't you just drop out right now? You don't need to graduate from high school to get a job at McDonald's. So if that's what you want, why stay in school?" The reality of my response might have shocked him, but it definitely got him thinking. Instead of listening to me tell him he needed to aspire to something greater, he had to search for his own answer. After a moment, he approached one of my colleagues for a clean sheet of paper and started over on a new vision of his future.

 

That experience got me thinking about Barok Yemane. He is one of many TAF alumni who have made the transition from successful student to successful young adult. After an unenthusiastic start in our Technical Teens program, Barok was inspired to work harder and eventually earned multiple internships with the public relations firm Waggener Edstrom. He made such an impression that, two years after graduating high school, Barok is still working for them while he attends Bellevue Community College and makes plans to transfer to the University of Washington. Read more about Barok's WaggEd experience...

 

I also spent several days over the last few weeks in Olympia, engaging members of our state legislature about funding for our capital campaign. This is a new experience for me, and it's exciting to realize that our work has so much momentum. We're getting the attention of folks at the district and state level.

 

I got an update on our 7th Annual Leadership Breakfast. Registration is picking up and we are looking forward to this being our biggest event ever. Will we be seeing you there? I was thrilled to hear that we've added to our list of sponsors. Welcome on board to:

 

Safeco

Microsoft

Adaptis, Inc.

Constance & Norman Rice
 

We have some amazing partners in this community who realize the critical nature of the work we do.

 

Wrapping up the week, I will speak briefly at the WSA Industry Achievement Awards on Thursday. Three of our middle school students are being honored with scholarships for the outstanding projects they have worked on this year. I see a bright future in these young people. I couldn't be more proud if they were my own kids.

Thanks for listening.
 

Trish Millines Dziko
Executive Director
Technology Access Foundation
 

We like hearing from you!

Do you have feedback about this new format or comments on a particular story? Do you have questions about how you can contribute to our mission? Contact us: 
(206) 725-9095