Jackson Giegerich, a junior at North Central High School, spent his summer reshaping his view on responsibility and hard work.
While many of his classmates chose to relax by the pool, Jackson took a job as a referee for I9 Sports in Indianapolis. Giegerich says he was able to learn new skills.
¨I learned patience since I was constantly working with younger kids. I also learned adaptability and leadership skills,¨ Giegerich said.
From the moment he was given the job, Jackson felt a sense of pride and drive. The job wasn´t just about getting money, but it was about being a role model for the younger players.
He quickly learned the ins and outs of the game, developing a deeper understanding of the rules and the importance of fair play. Although he was greatly improving Giegerich says he still struggled.
¨I would say the hardest part was managing the kids and being able to keep track of everything going on,¨ Giegerich said.
As the summer went on, his job became an alternative for a summer sport. Although he was missing out on some time to relax at his house, he was able to stay busy and active,
¨I liked being able to talk to the kids and have a good time with them, along with doing my job with some of my friends,¨ Giegerich said.
The job also came with its challenges. Jackson faced difficult situations, such as dealing with upset parents or players who disagreed with his calls. These types of moments tested his patience and put the stuff he learned to work.
With each game, he learned the importance of being able to understand and recognize that everyone involved had feelings and should be heard. This helped him be an unbiased referee.
By the end of the summer, Jackson was able to come out of it with newfound confidence and leadership skills. Refereeing had not only gained his ability to make decisions but also put a sense of accountability in him.
¨It impacted me by helping me learn new skills and preparing me for a real job in the future,¨ Giegerich said.
Jackson was able to take everything he learned at his job and not just use it for refereeing but also in life. ¨I highly recommends getting a summer job not just for the money, but also for the development of new skills and the experiences it will give you.¨ Giegerich said.
