“I never thought I could get a job here. I love it.”

After applying to a number of local grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants, 17 year-old Jordan thought he would once again be spending the summer without a job.

But thanks to Hope for the Inner City’s Summer Job Program, the rising senior at Howard School worked all summer at the Chattanooga Zoo—the first job he has ever held in his life.

Practical Experience

At the zoo, Jordan experienced a wide range of responsibilities that must coincide for a business to be successful. He learned how to operate a professional riding mower, interact with patrons, staff a gift shop and even care for the animals themselves.

“I’ve always liked animals ever since I was a little kid,” Jordan said. “This job is great for someone like me.”

Character Formation

Jordan’s 20-hour-a-week job has taught him much more than just how to do physical labor. More importantly, he’s acquired a wealth of intangible skills that will serve him well into his adult years.

For example, standing in the hot sun while managing a petting zoo with an ill-behaved camel and noisy children taught him patience. "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is his glory to overlook an offense" (Proverbs 19:11). At first, Jordan said, it was a real struggle for him to conceal his frustration. But as the summer progressed, he learned to graciously steer the excited children in the right direction—and just let the camel be a camel.

Garrett Skipper, Jordan’s supervisor, said, “I’ve seen him grow a lot. He’s really helped make the zoo easier to run this summer. I’ve tried to really teach the kids that when they’re pleasant and helpful in their visitor interactions, they’re really showing God’s love to people.”

Lasting Impact

Jordan has thoroughly enjoyed his experience working at the zoo, and he hopes to go to college next year after finishing his senior year at Howard. Perhaps, he said, he can continue working at the zoo part-time during the school year.

“A summer job is a powerful thing for young men like Jordan,” said Bill Holland, Hope for the Inner City’s director of economic development. “Not only does it shape how they view themselves as laborers before God, but they also have less incentive to be led away by gang activity.”