SkillsUSA is a non-profit national education association that serves and helps students prepare for careers in trade, technical, health and wellness, and other skilled service occupations. The Georgia chapter of this national organization will have a Cobb representative next school year. Jewel Jones, an Osborne and Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy (CITA) student, was recently elected to serve as a Student Officer. Jewel will join four other students from around the state in this important role.
Jewel is a sophomore and taking classes at CITA toward an electrical certification. She hopes to further her training in college and pursue an electrical engineering degree. She hopes to use her platform at SkillsUSA to open opportunities like she has to many more students around the state.
Her personal story, which she told as part of her election speech to the SkillsUSA selection board, is both miraculous and triumphant. A couple of years ago, Jewel was shot three times in collateral gunfire as she was getting her hair braided downstairs from where she lived. Two bullets grazed her head and left ear, but one actually went through her brain. "The doctors don't know how I'm still here," Jewel said. "It was a miracle."
"It gave me a different point of view of life," Jewel continued reflectively. "Before, I was just living, but after the accident, I realized that my life was much more precious than how I was living it. The fact that I got a re-do made me really, really happy. Hearing that you'll never walk or talk the same again was very painful, and when I fully recovered, I decided that I was going to give it my best shot."
When Jewel was preparing her speech for the SkillsUSA board, she first studied and memorized the entire study guide. Her counselor, Calvin Gray, helped her rehearse and perfect her speech and incorporate her life story and what she learned from it. A requirement of the speech was to help the judges learn more about the candidate, and Jewel's speech stood above the rest. "Most people told about what they would do if they were elected, but I was the only one to give my life story. I said that my past wouldn't determine who I am today and they really appreciated this." Jewel also made the point that her life experience was an example of the program creed—"I believe."
Jewel is quick to credit others for her own successes. She thanked her mom for driving her back and forth to school and Mr. Gray for all the time he spent helping her prepare. "He was here early and late on weekdays and even on weekends. He is my favorite counselor," Jewel said with a smile.
Jewel's mom and sister, along with CITA and Osborne administration staff and Assistant Superintendent Christian Suttle, surprised Jewel in her chorus class with balloons, flowers, and an official announcement of her selection as a USASkills 2023-24 Student Officer. CITA Director Dr. Tiffany Barney made the announcement as classmates applauded and cheered. "We are so proud of you and look forward to what lies ahead," Dr. Barney said.
Congratulations, Jewel, for your selection as a SkillsUSA Student Officer! Your story is an amazing and inspiring testament to the power of hope. We know that great things are in store for you in your role at SkillsUSA and also in your electrical and engineering career!
