The AVID teachers at HJH invite guest speakers that include former AVID students. Alex Lopez, senior corporate recruiter at MidFlorida Credit Union and former AVID student recently visited the eighth-grade AVID class. Alex has been employed at MidFlorida for four years. His duties include talking to and interviewing people for job placements within the company. Alex said, "He loves his job because he loves talking to people and he enjoys informing people they have been accepted to the position in which they applied." He also told students, that AVID helped him to be a better student by helping him be more prepared and organized. The AVID strategies he learned as a student have helped him in his career as well. Alex told students it was important to take risks, sacrifice when it is necessary, and be determined when pursuing their goals and dreams. Alex offered additional advice, "work hard and be a good employee so there will be possibilities for future promotions." He said, "Mrs. Shayla Bryan at HJH gave him the inspiration to be a better band student." He was also a former student of Kim McGuckin and remembers the science labs and the help he received with doing a science fair project for the first time. Alex was also a former student of Rod Smith, Hardee Senior High, who Alex said "Was an amazing AVID elective teacher and helped him realize his potential." During his presentation, Alex gave students piggy banks and bank pens to students who asked questions and answered his questions. All the AVID students wrote thank you letters for taking the time to speak to them. Mrs. Kim McGuckin said, "They absolutely loved hearing him speak and really connected to his inspiring and motivational discussions.
