Summer job drive important to youth

I'm 17, unemployed, continually looking for any kind of job.

It was very inspiring to hear the news from our governor on Thursday, only to add this to my search in securing gainful employment for this summer.

It was disheartening not to be employed with the Mayor's Summer Youth program this year because of shortage of jobs.

I hope businesses see the importance of investing in youths today to make a positive change for tomorrow's future.

I felt that being a productive student at Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy and earning a 24 on my ACT score and a 6 on my Work Keys would work toward my advantage, only to see my financial situation light grow dim.

My mother is unemployed with a master's degree, father in prison, home one step from foreclosure and life seems hopeless.

But a bright light came when I was watching the news, hearing our Governor speak on Summer Jobs for Youth, just to think there is hope for me to be a help to family.

I only hope that others (anyone in a position to help the youth) see how important this incentive is to the youth right now in the face of high oil, grocery, and utility prices.

We the youth can make a difference in our economy, home and community.

Thank you for this chance to let my voice to be heard when it seems that no one is listening to youths.

Dorothy M. Murchison

Chicago