Career:
Commerce Bank, N.A.
Kansas City , MO
Marketing Specialist
Chase works in the consumer credit division and specifically on the relationship team. He works on analyzing profitability of the company’s credit card portfolio and creating projects and initiatives to grow the line of business while maintaining the company’s objective to build the relationship with the customer on all levels of the banking industry. He manages the customer satisfaction survey process, works with the student portfolio and is on the development team for the loyalty platform. Chase also does some graphic design for both Commerce and on a freelance basis.
NOYS Meetings attended, and memories of those events:
My very first NOYS meeting stands out as the most memorable, but as with all NOYS initiatives, all were inspiring and provided unique memories I will never forget. I was a representative to NOYS from Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and attended the summit in July 2001 as my first NOYS event.
I was so inspired by so many great youth leaders who were so ambitious and put youth safety into the forefront. I was able to share with the NOYS youth details about a program called STOP the Violence that I had worked on for the previous two years. Not only was I able to share my initiatives towards youth safety and in particular preventing school violence and bullying, but also gain so much insight into other participating organizations projects.
I am continually inspired by NOYS youth and give thanks to the organization in aiding me in making wise and healthy decisions, gaining leadership skills and preparing me to be proactive in advising my peers to do the same.
Describe why youth safety and health is important to you:
Health and youth safety is a topic that reaches everyone. Nurturing a generation of youth to make safe and healthy decisions is vital for not only their individual futures, but the future of their peers. When youth are educated about safety they can save lives. It is important for everyone to know the facts and how choosing to drink and drive, bully a peer or making other poor health and safety choices can affect themselves and others. By forming a united front to address issues of youth safety, members of this organization are definitely making NOYS.
What are you doing now to address youth safety and health concerns?
While in college I was able to take initiatives to address safety among students. As student body president I helped with an initiative to develop a Safe Ride Home program for students and worked to further develop our peer education programs. I also assisted on various committees through our University health center to educate peers about the dangers of alcohol, drugs and sexually transmitted diseases.
Most recently I have been working to promote NOYS and have given volunteer hours through graphic design services.
What was college peer pressure like?
I really found college peer pressure to be more minimal than expected. I was involved in several organizations from Student Government to a social fraternity and found almost all individuals I encountered respected my decisions. The key for success and healthy decisions in college is to surround yourself in organizations and people who respect who you are. Whether they make similar choices or not, they should be supportive of you and the decisions you make.
Lessons learned and advice for current NOYS youth:
Learn as much as possible! Every individual you encounter within NOYS and in life have unique stories and possess valuable life-lessons that you can utilize in your own day-to-day interactions and decision making. Don’t be afraid to stand up for something you believe in and continue to strive for success. Out of all the motivational speakers and presentations I’ve heard, the one phrase that always stands out is, “What you get out of something depends upon the amount of work you put it.” So strive, work hard and achieve great things!
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