Not only is Courtney Sipperley busy at Jackson National Life Insurance as an External Communications Specialist, but she is also busy coordinating volunteer involvement with Junior Achievement throughout the year. Being the selfless, well rounded individual she is, Courtney represents our community by giving back in many other ways than Junior Achievement. Just locally, she has volunteered with the Ronald McDonald House, Judi’s House, Alzheimer’s Association and March of Dimes.
Courtney had supported Junior Achievement in many ways. She not only aids a Junior Achievement Volunteer Manager in coordinating and recruiting Jackson’s yearly JA in a Day at McElwain Elementary School, but she has and continues to coordinate Jackson’s JA Bowl-A-Thon teams in both Lansing, Michigan and Denver, Colorado for the past several years. The reason Courtney was initially drawn to volunteering with Junior Achievement is because her organization, Jackson, has a charitable focus on children and the elderly, so Junior Achievement is a perfect fit as one of their premier partners. Once she became familiar with JA’s mission and projects through her current role with Jackson, she knew volunteering would be rewarding and an incredible amount of fun.
Courtney’s positive attitude, eagerness to succeed, drive for continuous development and achievement proves her to be a great role model inside the classroom. When asked what her favorite part about Junior Achievement is, Courtney responded, “The kids are seriously the best. I love working with them and seeing different concepts actually “click.” They are also hysterical!” For those who have been inside the classroom to teach from the Junior Achievement curriculum can attest that kids really do say and do the darndest things! As proof of that, Courtney was eager to share two stories she experienced while in the classroom. Courtney stated, “last year a third-grader made me a colorful One Direction sign that is still hanging on my fridge. And this year, while teaching first grade, one student proactively allocated the money she earned toward obtaining a diploma, rather than buying roller skates or a video game. I almost cried.”
Courtney’s dedication not only spreads throughout Jackson but can hopefully encourage some who many have never given JA a try by saying, “don’t be afraid to get involved and show your personality! You’d be surprised what an impact you can have after just one day of teaching.”
