GEICO associates have teamed up with local students and Junior Achievement of Georgia for the 13^thyear in a row to help plant the seed that it’s never too early to start planning for your future. GEICO associates recently volunteered to spend a week inside the classrooms of Burdell-Hunt Elementary School to get down to business. They talked with students first-hand about the economy, how people can impact their communities and what it takes to make real contributions.

“It is refreshing to see the students so engaged and eager to work with the volunteers,” said GEICO salvage supervisor Katherine Griffis. “During our time together we are able to build on what they have been learning and reinforce how it applies in the real world. We all had a lot of fun.”

Griffis is a former elementary school teacher and has volunteered through the JA program for the past five years. “GEICO’s partnership with JA of Georgia gives me the opportunity to flex my ‘teacher muscles,'” shares Griffis. “Using what I have learned throughout my career as well as personal life experiences, I am able to connect with students in a meaningful way.”

Griffis began her career with GEICO as an entry-level associate and has since climbed the ranks to a supervisor role. Her transition from the education field to the insurance industry can be used as a tool to inspire the students. “I’m not doing what I dreamt of at their age, but because I took a leap of faith to try something new I am now happier in my career than I have ever been,” said Griffis. “This is why I encourage the younger generation to stay in school, pursue their passions and always be open to different possibilities.”

GEICO associates have mentored more than 7,500 students at Burdell-Hunt Elementary School since beginning its partnership with JA of Georgia. “We are looking forward to continue working with JA and Burdell-Hunt Elementary School in support of the next generation of business leaders,” said Rhett Rayburn, Macon’s regional vice president.