By ALANNA ANUSZEWSKI
Contributing Writer
Gaining field experience is every college student’s dream, especially if it’s a paid position. Francis Xavier DeLuke is making that a reality as a freshman student here at the College.
DeLuke is a full-time student studying special education. He currently works part-time at the Hannaford in South Glens Falls, New York. He is works as a cashier, bags peoples’ groceries, and brings in carts. However, he’s going to begin student teaching and substitute teaching in the near future.
DeLuke works at Hannaford anywhere from 10 to 15 hours a week during the school year. He is trained in many different areas of the store, so a typical day at work can vary. He spends most of his time as a cashier or bagger in the front end of the store.
As cashier he has to be aware of his surroundings and interact with the customers. While he’s bagging he has to ask customers how they want their groceries bagged and is in charge of bringing in the carts, no matter how cold or hot it is outside.
Recently, DeLuke was trained at the service desk. He has to answer the phones and deal with customer complaints. There is more responsibility while working at the service desk because he deals with large amounts of money and must count the drawers at the end of his shift.
“Xavier is a hard worker and is extremely outgoing and personable. This has helped him be successful at Hannaford and will also benefit him in his future workplaces,” said Lauren Klick, a co-worker at Hannaford.
A few weeks ago, DeLuke got a call informing him that he got a new job as a substitute teacher’s assistant for BOCES. After an extensive application process, many calls to his references, and a background check, he got the job.
His orientation took place the first week of March and he will start soon after that. Due to his busy school schedule, he’ll mostly be working for BOCES during his summer break. While working at BOCES, DeLuke plans to continue working at Hannaford.
“He works to the best of his ability and doesn’t let other bring him down,” said Sara Bayliss, DeLuke’s long-term girlfriend, about his motivation.
Even though he’s only a freshman, DeLuke has a set career goal. He decided to study special education even though teaching is currently a difficult field to get into.
“Special education can often be overlooked, and I feel a connection with special needs children,” said DeLuke when asked why he chose to study special education. In addition to his special education major, he has a concentration in history and a minor in psychology.
After graduation, DeLuke plans to either move to the South to find a teaching job or stay in New York and find a job through the current NYS teaching program. Additionally, he would like to get a building administration certification, in case he decides to be a principal someday.
With a busy school and work schedule, DeLuke has no intention of ever slowing down. He has big plans and hopes to achieve all of them one day. “Because of the opportunities I am getting through working during college, I’m preparing myself for the future,” said DeLuke.
