Counting Down Summer: A Letter to New High School Grads

 

Counting Down Summer: A Letter to New High School Grads

Hey there, beautiful graduates! 🌸

Summer is in full swing—barbecues, sun-kissed afternoons, road trips with friends. For many of you, this is the first summer that feels truly yours. No bell schedules, no homework deadlines, no homeroom roll calls. Just the sweet taste of freedom after years of early mornings and final exams.

But isn’t it funny how right after July 4th, there’s this subtle shift in the air? You walk into a store for something small, and suddenly you’re surrounded by stacks of notebooks, bright bins of pencils, and those irresistible planners (you know, the ones that make you feel like you have your whole life together just by opening them). It almost whispers: “Ready or not, a new chapter is coming.”

I remember that feeling myself—thinking summer would stretch on forever. Long days spent laughing with friends, dreaming big, feeling unstoppable. Then, just like that, it was time to start buying dorm bedding or work uniforms. Time to map out new routines, explore new campuses or workplaces, and think about who we were becoming.

So now I want to turn to you, dear graduates, and ask:

✨ What’s next for you?
Are you planning to head off to college, chase that degree, and soak in every campus experience? Or maybe you’re ready to jump straight into the workforce, build your skills, start earning, and carve out your own lane in this world?

Whatever your path, know this: there is no single right way to step into your future. Each journey is uniquely yours. Whether you’re moving into a dorm, signing up for trade school, starting a small business, or clocking in for your first real job—every choice is a step toward building your own story and, ultimately, your own legacy.

As you enjoy these final weeks of summer, take a moment to savor it. Let the laughter with friends linger a little longer. Watch a sunset without checking the time. Dream about where you want to be this time next year—and then get excited, because you have the power to make it happen.

Congratulations again, Class of 2025. We see you, we celebrate you, and we can’t wait to watch you soar. 💖

 Celebrating Daniel: Our K&J Anderson Scholarship Recipient!

We’re thrilled to celebrate Daniel, the newest recipient of the K&J Anderson Scholarship for the Youth in Logistics virtual summer program, launching July 14th!

At just 23 years old, Daniel is already carving a path in the logistics field. He currently works at a beverage distribution center and is setting his sights on earning his CDL or advancing to a warehouse supervisor role. His ambition and positive attitude make him an ideal participant in our growing community of young logistics leaders.

When he’s not working, Daniel enjoys spending time with friends and taking beach road trips—a reminder that logistics isn’t just about moving goods, but about creating the freedom to move through life.

A special thanks goes to Ms. Kinyatta Anderson, whose generosity through the K&J Anderson Scholarship Fund continues to uplift emerging talent and create meaningful access to opportunity.

Enrollment is now open! The Youth in Logistics program is 100% virtual and flexible. You can complete assignments at your own pace or join us live during day camp hours (Monday–Friday, 11 AM to 3 PM CST) for a more interactive experience.

📢 Plus, participants receive a $200 discount toward the Fall Adult Program!
For details, email: youthmentor@myownlaneconsultants.com

Congratulations, Daniel! We’re cheering you on every step of the way.

👉 Learn more or register at www.youthinlogistics.info. 

Track the Truck? Run the Route! A Youth-Friendly Intro to Supply Chain Management

 

“So... You Like Amazon Packages? Then You Might Love Supply Chain Management.”

Hey parents! Got a teen who’s always tracking their package like it’s a championship game?
Do they mysteriously know exactly when the delivery truck is three houses away?
Congratulations—you might be raising a future Supply Chain Management (SCM) superstar.

Let’s break it down for the youth in our lives who are curious, ambitious, and maybe just a little too obsessed with fast shipping:

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🚦What Is Supply Chain Management (SCM), Anyway?

Think of SCM like the ultimate “Glow Up” journey for a product. From raw materials (like cotton or steel), to a finished good (like your favorite hoodie or a PlayStation controller), SCM makes it all happen—smoothly, smartly, and on time.

Here’s how the magic unfolds:

🔍 Planning – Someone’s gotta figure out what’s needed, when it’s needed, and how to avoid that dreaded “out of stock” message. Strategy time.

🤝 Sourcing – This is like shopping with a purpose. Which suppliers have what you need, at the right price and quality? Relationships matter!

🛠️ Manufacturing – Where things get made. Raw stuff becomes the cool stuff. (Assembly lines are the original TikTok transitions, FYI.)

🚚 Delivery & Logistics – Trucking, shipping, routing—this is where the product hits the road. Shout out to our AAWTA queens handling business behind the wheel and in the dispatch room!

🔁 Returns & Service – Because let’s be real: Sometimes you need to send it back. SCM pros handle that, too.

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💡Why Should Our Young People Care?

Because SCM is everywhere. Fashion, food, electronics, beauty, even sneakers—they all need a smart supply chain. And here’s the kicker:

• It pays well ✅

• It’s high-tech and fast-moving ✅

• It opens doors to entrepreneurship ✅

• It’s a pathway to real influence behind the scenes ✅

For our young girls especially, this isn’t just about a career—it’s about power, positioning, and possibility.

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📣 AAWTA’s Message to the Next Gen:

At AAWTA, we don’t just drive trucks—we own lanes, build systems, and mentor the next generation of leaders. Whether you want to be the boss behind the freight or the visionary who maps the journey, SCM could be your ticket.

So go ahead—next time your teen refreshes that delivery status for the fifth time, slide in with:
“You know, there’s a whole career behind that truck. Want to learn how to run it?”

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Want to explore programs that offer CDL + Supply Chain certification? We’ve got you covered.
Because when we understand the system, we can run the system.

#AAWTA #FutureSCMLeaders #FromBackseatToBoardroom #YouthInLogistics #CDLtoCEO #MyOwnLane 

🚛 From Summer Camp to Certification: How Youth in Logistics Can Jumpstart a Career in Supply Chain

Youth in Logistics is a special project which believes exposure is the first step toward empowerment—and this summer, our virtual Supply Chain Day Camp is doing just that! But the journey doesn’t end when camp concludes. In fact, it’s just the beginning.

We’re excited to announce that all summer participants will have priority enrollment access into our Logistics Certification Program, proudly offered through the African American Women Trucking Association (AAWTA). This semester-long program (15 weeks - Tuesday or Thursday evenings) builds directly on the foundation laid during camp and opens the door to real-world credentials that matter.

🎓 Why Continue the Journey?

For many graduating seniors and early college students, figuring out “what’s next” can feel overwhelming. Logistics is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world—touching everything from medicine to fashion to tech. By earning a logistics certification, your student can:

• Enter a high-demand career field without years of college debt

• Earn nationally recognized credentials aligned with employer needs

• Build professional networks through mentorship with industry leaders

💡 Scholarship Opportunities

We’re rewarding summer effort with more than just knowledge. Students who complete the virtual camp and submit their summer portfolio will be eligible for scholarship awards to help offset the cost of the certification program. That means their early commitment could translate directly into long-term opportunity.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Designed With Families in Mind

We know families are looking for more than just busywork—they want direction, value, and outcomes. Our programs are structured to be:

• Flexible for working students and parents

• Affordable thanks to scholarships and priority pricing

• Supportive through one-on-one coaching and group check-ins

📅 What’s Next?

• Summer Day Camp - next cohort start June 2nd -6th. Deadline to enroll Saturday May 30th.

• Certification Program begins Fall 2025

• Priority Enrollment Deadline: September 1, 2025

If your student is ready to take the next step toward career success, Youth in Logistics is ready to walk with them every step of the way.

👉 Visit www.youthinlogistics.info to learn more or email youthmentor@myownlaneconsultants.com.

 

🎓✨Parents of grads—how’s everything going with graduation planning?
The outfit’s ready, announcements are out, and the celebration is almost here... but have you had the other conversation yet?

💬 What’s the plan after the party?

College? Workforce? Gap year?
It’s exciting—but also overwhelming. And sometimes, a missed opportunity now… costs more than we can imagine later.

Here’s the good news:
The logistics and transportation industry is booming with real-world pathways for young adults—whether they’re hands-on, tech-savvy, or entrepreneurial.

💡 Careers they can start learning NOW.
💸 Income that doesn’t require 4 years of student loans.
🤝 Mentorship that meets them where they are.

If they’re still figuring it out, that’s okay. We’re here to help them explore options without pressure—and without missing their moment.

📩 DM us or drop a 💬 if you’d like info about our Youth in Logistics programs and summer training sessions.

#ParentsOfGrads #YouthInLogistics #CareerExploration #NextSteps #AfterGraduation #TransportationCareers #NoMissedOpportunities

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Purchase online program $21/month

Virtual Day Camp Application and details

Email youthmentor@myownlaneconsultants.com for more information. 

Logistics and Supply Chain are the same AND different

How Logistics and Supply Chain Are the Same:

• Both are about moving goods and services efficiently.

• Both involve planning, managing, and optimizing the flow of products.

• Both focus on getting the right product to the right place at the right time.

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How They Are Different:

Aspect	Logistics	Supply Chain Management
Focus	Moving, storing, and delivering goods	Managing the entire flow of goods, information, and finances
Scope	One piece of the supply chain (mainly transportation and storage)	Big picture — includes logistics + purchasing, production, and customer service
Goal	Make deliveries fast, safe, and cost-effective	Build a strong network of suppliers, manufacturers, distributors
Typical Jobs	Truck driver, warehouse worker, shipping manager	Supply chain analyst, procurement manager, operations director

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Simple way to remember:

Logistics is like one chapter in the book of supply chain management

 

 

April 15, 2025

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Youth in Logistics: Preparing Young Minds for Real-World Success

As parents, mentors, and community leaders, we all want the same thing—for our youth to grow up confident, capable, and equipped for the future. That’s why I created Youth in Logistics—a career development and financial literacy initiative designed to expose students ages 10 and up to real opportunities in transportation, supply chain, and entrepreneurship.

I’m Ladda Love Hawkins, a Texas-certified educator, trucking business consultant, and mother of two. With a background in special education and certifications in transportation risk management, I’ve seen firsthand how early exposure to industry knowledge can shape a young person’s future. Youth in Logistics was formed to bridge the gap between education and the real world.

This self-paced, customizable initiative makes complex topics like budgeting, logistics, and career pathways relatable for learners at any level. Through articles, hands-on activities, and real-industry insight, we’re building confidence and career awareness early—especially for students who may not see themselves in traditional classroom paths.

Whether you're a parent looking for enrichment or a community partner ready to support youth programming that makes a difference—this initiative is for you.

Let’s work together to open doors, spark ideas, and guide the next generation into purpose-driven careers.

– Ladda Love Hawkins
Youth in Logistics mentor | My Own Lane Consultants

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