On Tuesday, February 2, 2016 Woodstock Job Corps Center had the pleasure of having two students spend the day in Congressman Elijah E. Cummings Baltimore and Catonsville District offices in honor of Groundhog Job Shadow Day.

 Phaedra Brown spent the day at the Congressman’s Baltimore District office shadowing Fran Allen, District Director, as well as Gerietta Clay, Front Desk Receptionist. She had the opportunity to learn how to answer the phones and the protocol that must be followed in finding out the caller’s name, address, phone number, if they live in the Congressman’s district and the issue they are calling about. She also learned how to deal with visitors that come to the front desk, filing and how important customer service is in dealing with the general public on behalf of the Congressman.         

Devon Moore spent the day at the Congressman’s Catonsville District office shadowing Katie Malone, Special Assistant to the Congressman. Devon learned how to process visa’s, passports and how to respond to immigrant and military cases as well as how to handle postal services. He assisted in writing letters, sending out mail, typing responses to inquiries and requests.  Devon had a glimpse into what a typical day is like working for a Congressman.

 “I learned how to do Acknowledgment Letters and Passport Letters, basic office standards and her daily schedule,” said Devon. “I had a good time learning the different things that Congress and their staff go through on a daily basis.”

 “I enjoyed spending time with Devon and showing him how a typical day in my office progressed. Devon was engaged and I believe  he truly experienced what it is like to perform a service for our constituents, whether it was for a person who required assistance with an immigration matter, a person who had difficulty receiving their mail deliveries, or a person who required assistance obtaining their military records.

 While on the surface, many of the challenges we faced and service the constituents seemed to be straightforward and required an easy fix.  I think Devon truly appreciated the subtle nuances of complexity that surround many of the cases our office handles on a daily basis. I truly enjoy working with Woodstock Job Corps and look forward to hosting another student next year,” said Katie.

 The students learned a lot from the experience and found it very beneficial and eye opening. Many thanks to Congressman Cummings, Fran Allen, Katie Malone, and his staff for hosting our students for the day and allowing them this amazing opportunity.