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