L to R: Robin McFee, Sarah Shearer, Jane Engelke,
Lisa Dickson and Brenda
Barker
By Nancy Engelke
Four Wirt County High School seniors, aspiring to be in the fashion industry, own
their own business or work in some aspect of beauty, spent a day last week job
shadowing with Jane Engelke of Elizabeth Michaels in Parkersburg. Jane started
her fashion business just one year ago, operating out of her home on a by
appointment only basis. Outgrowing her space, Jane just opened at her new
location at 2108 Camden Avenue, Parkersburg.
The young ladies involved were Sarah Shearer, Lisa Dickson, Brenda Barker and
Robin Mc Fee. The first part of the day was spent learning about Jane's G.O.A.L.S.
program that she has developed over the years and uses to accomplish many of
her life dreams. Jane stated that, "Without goals you don't have a road map of
where you are going. Combining goal setting with journaling one can accomplish
most anything in life."
Time was also spent picking out an outfit each to model at the end of the day for
their program director, Sandy Hooper of Human Resource Development Foundation,
youth specialist in Wood and Wirt Counties. The group also worked on customer
service, entering stock into the computer, tagging new merchandise and shopping
in catalogs for merchandise for the store. They had a group of customers that they
worked with on an individual basis and by the end of the day had an idea of what is
involved in working in fashions and owning their own business.
The Youth Advantage program allows the youth of our area to learn about careers,
earn a small stipend while job shadowing and work at area businesses. Sarah,
Lisa, Brenda and Robin all held jobs this summer to learn more about their chosen
field of interest. Each county has a youth specialist who works with those that are
eligible for the program. In addition, youth from several counties get together for
special projects and meetings.
Jane provided lunch and a goody bag for each participant along with a journal to
write in daily and a copy of the latest Pageantry Magazine. Believing that the youth
of our area are important to our future, Jane is dedicated to motivating them to
become all they can be in life. Being blessed with excellent teachers who believed
in helping their students accomplish great things, Jane is now passing on to other
youth information and help. Mrs. Shaver and the Future Business Leaders of
America program in Wirt County were instrumental to her success.
Elizabeth Michaels provides coaching to young women in the areas of
communication, interview skills, clothing choices, a "total package". When
complimented by Mrs. Hooper on her appearance Jane stated, "I didn't come out of
the box looking like this. I had to work long and hard improving myself to get where
I am today." Jane is available to others for presenting her G.O.A.L.S and journaling
program. Just contact her at Elizabeth Michaels in Parkersburg.
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