Update 8/31/2018: Andrea no longer works at the D2 Center. Good luck in your endeavors, Andrea!
After a long hiatus, our “Meet the Staff” series is back, thanks to a couple of new employees! Andrea Clark is one of our newest YANs — please take a minute to get to know her. You can learn about other D2 Center staff on our Meet the Staff blog page.
What’s your role at the D2 Center?
I am a Youth Academic Navigator (YAN). I connect with high-risk youth that have disengaged from school and help get them on the right path to completing their education.
How long have you worked at the D2 Center?
Since the beginning of May 2018.
Tell me about your education.
I have a B.A. in Spanish and Sociology from Doane College. My internship was with the Department of Corrections in the interpretation/translation area. I also studied abroad in Spain and Mexico.
What is your professional background?
I have been an interpreter and translator since 2004. I have worked in an immigration jail, in hospitals, and with Health and Human Services. Prior to the D2 Center, I worked in a juvenile prison as a caseworker.
Why were you interested in working at the D2 Center?
I randomly saw this job posted and realized it was everything that I wanted to do. Working in the juvenile prison sparked a compassion for working with troubled youth. I saw the devastating effects of youth being on lockdown and I told myself, “there has to be a better solution than this.” I wanted to work for the D2 Center because it’s about being a mentor and forming positive bonds with the youth to help them through their struggles and eventually obtain their goal of a diploma. This is the perfect place for intervention so that they won’t end up in a place like prison.
What’s your favorite thing about working at the D2 Center?
I love the fact that I am able to meet and work with a variety of people. Everyone I meet has a different story and I hope to help them in some way. I also love the aspect of being out and active in the community. In a sense, we are like busy little ants, bustling about the city getting important work done.
Tell me about your family.
My family is originally from Waco, NE, and we grew up on a farm. I have two younger brothers. My mom has always said that all three of us are completely different from each other, but we are very close. My family prefers the country life, but I prefer the city!
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to exercise (huge fan of water activities), read, cook/bake, take my dog for walks, tutor Spanish, and be active in my church. I am always looking for events and concerts to go to!
