cont’d……public school and private school, but there was much to be desired in his social, emotional and educational well-being. Thank goodness we found LiFT Academy in 2013! Geoffrey attended LiFT Academy from 2013 and graduated in 2017. He has attended LiFT University from 2017 until present. Lift has been nurturing, safe, yet academically challenging for Geoffrey. LiFT has enriched Geoffrey’s life (and ours) in ways we could never have imagined. He has progressed both academically and socially during his time here. At LiFT University, he works on lessons that challenge him to think outside of his comfort zone. He works collaboratively to solve problems. He is learning skills that prepare him for life as an independent adult. He loves attending LiFT University, his friends and his teachers.
We asked Geoffrey a few questions about himself and thought you’d like to read about this awesome young man.
· Do you have any brothers and/or sisters? I am an only child
· What’s your favorite color? Green What does it represent? I just like it.
· Are you talkative or shy? Talkative with people that I know
· Do you have a role model? Who and why? My teachers are my role-models. They make learning fun. They are helpful. They are kind. They work hard. They make learning fun. They are helpful. They are kind. They work hard. They teach us to succeed. They challenge us to do better/dream bigger.
· Tell me about any special skills or abilities that you possess. I’m a hard worker. I learn quickly. I follow directions. I’m a good driver.
· What would you most like to learn? I love watching HGTV. I would like to learn how to take old houses and make them new again. Flip houses.
· Would you rather work with a partner, by yourself or with a group? Why? I really enjoy working with my classmates on LiFT U Cleaning Crew. Otherwise, I’d rather work alone. I don’t like working with strangers. At Publix I work alone. That’s good.
· What do you enjoy most about your education at LU? All of the staff at LiFT University make learning fun. I’ve learned a lot about the community we live in. We go into the community and explore. I like being able to investigate, get answers to questions I have about the place I live. I’m learning how to become more independent. Also, I have made many friends at LiFT U.
· What goal and accomplishment of that goal are you most proud of? I will be graduating from LiFT University Transition Program in May of 2021. I have worked hard to accomplish this goal. Also, I wanted to learn job skills so that I could get a job. LiFT provided the opportunities for me to learn job skills, and I got a job at Studio Movie Grill.
~ What kind of job/career are you interested in? Since enrolling at LiFT University in 2016, I have participated in many career experiences through internships within our community: food services, hospitality, retail, cleaning/maintenance, and pet care. The experiences I enjoyed most were with Publix, LiFT U Cleaning Crew, and Shorecrest Elementary. I take pride in my work. I like it when others recognize my good work. I love working with my peers, Mr. Martin and Ms. Coon, as a LiFT U Cleaning Crew team member. Publix is my newest internship. I like it. My mom worked for Publix many years ago. I want to work for Publix for many years to come.
· What are your 3 favorite things about yourself? I am a good friend. I am a hard worker. My family, teachers, friends, and employers can count on me.
· What do you think you will be doing in 5 years? I hope to be working at Publix. I also want to stay in touch with my community at LiFT. I will volunteer with LiFT Your Fork Catering and LiFT U Cleaning Crew to meet the needs of our community and to keep in touch with my friends at LiFT University.
· Thought Provoker: “Time is money.” Do you agree or disagree? Why? Yes. My time is valuable; like money. I would rather be productive, working, than be sitting at home playing video games.
Geoffrey Beattie, we are proud of your accomplishments and the young man you are becoming!