Alumni “Double Down”!

Alumni Return for College Panel and Casino Night!



Panel Participants: James Beeks, Daniel Parker and Brianna Berry



On December 20th Genesys Works - Houston had their College Panels for Downtown and Westside interns.  The College Panel is a yearly event where Genesys Works' alumni, while home on college break, offer college advice to our current interns.  This event is open to our interns and their parents to come and ask questions. 

The alumni panel participants were:

• Sindy Saldana - University of Houston - Downtown, Criminal Justice, Class 7
• James Beeks - Stephen F. Austin, Organizational Communication, Class 8
• Brianna Berry - Tennessee State, Supply Chain Management, Class 9
• Daniel Parker - University of Texas, Computer Science, Class 9
• Troy Williams - Georgetown, International Politics, Class 9
• Reggie Walker - University of Texas, Business, Class 9
• Giovanni Garza - Texas A&M, History, Class 9

The questions ranged from “How did your parents handle you leaving for college?” to “Did you feel prepared, or was it a huge wake-up call?” The theme of the night was definitely Time Management. It was nice to hear that our alumni felt they were prepared for the demands of a college schedule because they juggled school, an internship, homework, and Genesys Works’ Career and College Connection meetings during their senior year of high school. The alumni gave our interns great advice about going to class, studying, filling out scholarships, managing a schedule, picking a roommate, and getting involved on their college campus.  James Beeks offered up one last piece of advice, “Make sure you call your parents at least every week or every two weeks; they just want to know you are OK.”

Blackjack Players: Salomon Benitez, Pablo Delgado, Van Vu and Bryan Lopez

Immediately following the College Panel, Classes 1-9 were invited to attend the Alumni Casino Night (a “no-money-involved” fun time).  We had a great turn out; over 70 alumni came out in support of the evening! The night consisted of casino craps, blackjack, roulette, and Texas Hold ’em, for a chance to win raffle tickets.  And if that wasn’t enough, there was also a karaoke machine! Our alumni sure know how to sing. We ended the night by raffling off some awesome prizes, and Class 9 alum, Israel Vela, went home with the GRAND prize - over $20 in lottery tickets, poker themed tumblers, chocolate candies, and a full poker set and playing guide! It was a great chance for alumni to catch up with each other and the Genesys Works staff. The evening was truly a success, building close bonds and camaraderie within our alumni family!