When Gabi Bokretsion was a teenager, she had no idea that working at VyStar’s High School Branch at Jacksonville’s Ribault High School would lead her to a career in marketing. While she was in college, Gabi fondly recalled her experience in the High School Branch program and applied for a teller position at VyStar’s Chaffee Pointe branch. At age 23, after graduating from the University of North Florida, Gabi was promoted to Marketing Specialist at our corporate headquarters.
About VyStar’s High School Branch Program
In 2006, we started the High School Branch Program to provide hands-on financial education to young people in the communities we serve. The program now boasts 18 in-school branches, where the day-to-day operations are managed by a team of students under the supervision of their school’s career academy instructors. The real-world training that students receive can guide them to a rewarding career—just like it did for Gabi.
Gabi’s Experience with VyStar
According to Gabi, the real-life work experience provided by the High School Branch Program helped her understand workplace expectations in the branch and in her marketing role. We talked with Gabi about her experience with the program and how it helped guide her to where she is today. Here’s what she had to say.
What appealed to you about the VyStar High School Branch Program, and why did you want to be a part of it?
It was a chance to get a jump start on my future at a young age. Knowing that the program focuses on financial literacy, I saw it as a chance to learn for myself as well as teach others. I’ve always enjoyed helping people, so I knew that it was a great opportunity.
What have you applied from your experience in the Ribault High School branch to your employment at VyStar?
As a teller, you get many questions from coworkers as well as members. There have been times where I was able to help coworkers complete a task or think things through strategically because of the things I learned in the high school program.
Members often ask tellers about issues or scenarios involving their teens. With the knowledge I gained in the VyStar Academy, I had the extra insight to be able to understand the needs of families with teens even more.
What is your advice for current students in the High School Branch Program?
Value every bit of training that you receive. Even if you don’t continue with VyStar after graduation, there are still some very important lessons that can be learned from the program, both professionally and personally.
Why did you want to join the marketing department?
As college graduation grew closer, I did some research and explored my options, and marketing kept popping up. To be able to help people on an even larger scale was appealing and extremely interesting to me. On top of that, having a degree in psychology was a bonus because it can give a different perspective on the marketing world.
What contribution do you think the VyStar High School Branch Program makes to our community?
I think the High School Branch Program makes a tremendous contribution to our community. It molds students for the future and teaches them the financial responsibilities that are important for independence. It creates a great foundation for being employed. Several of the high school students that I worked with got jobs with VyStar immediately after graduation. I think the program is an amazing way to mold the career paths of high school students.
Where do you see yourself professionally in five years? What about 10?
In five years, I see myself continuing to succeed and better myself. I have every desire to remain with VyStar for as long as possible. In 10 years, I see myself still working and helping people. If somewhere along the way an amazing opportunity is presented, I will take it. I have high expectations for myself and for my future. I don’t ever want to stop the drive that I have.
We are very fortunate that Gabi participated in our High School Branch Program. We’re proud of all her accomplishments and know that she has a long, bright future ahead of her.
If you’re interested in learning more about our High School Branch Program, give us a call at 904-777-6000 or 800-445-6289, or visit the High School Branch Program page on our website.