When some setbacks and an expected high school graduation date of May 2008 turned into 2009, Cyrissa Michael didn't get discouraged. "I had a downfall, but I picked myself up, and I will be graduating in 2009," said the Rapid City Central High School senior, who, with the benefit of an internship through the Learn and Serve America program, stayed in school and now has a clearer idea of what her future career might be.

"I am really good with people, and interested in business, so I wanted to do something dealing with the public in business management and marketing," she said.

These qualities led her, with the guidance of Central High School internship coordinator LuAnn Matern, to complete an internship last spring with Ron Jeffries of the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo.

"I actually worked on planning for the Central States Fair by going out with Mr. Jeffries to offer sponsorships to area businesses, like Time Equipment Rental and Rapid City Laundry and Dry Cleaners," Cyrissa said. "We would meet with the business people, explain the contract to them and answer any questions they had. Toward the end of my internship, Ron let me go out and do one on my own, right down to the signatures."

Jeffries was so happy with Cyrissa's work that he hired her to work at the Central States Fair last August. "I answered the phone, was a money runner and did pretty much whatever was needed during the week of the fair," Cyrissa said.

Her first internship with the Central States Fair was 35 hours for half credit, but Cyrissa is scheduled to begin another one next week that will require 72 hours and net her 1 academic credit. "I will be helping them to prepare for the upcoming 2009 Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo," she said.

With both of her parents choosing careers in law enforcement, Cyrissa originally thought of following in their footsteps. "At first, I didn't know if I wanted to go to college, and I considered doing an internship in law enforcement to see if it was really for me," she said. "But this came along, and I loved it so much that now, I want to go to the University of South Dakota and major in business management with a minor in communications."

Cyrissa said that she strongly recommends the book "Teenagers Preparing for the Real World," by Chad Foster, which is required reading for the Learn and Serve America program. "It gives a really honest picture of jobs, and I found it very inspirational," she said. "It gave me perspective, too: You can't be a 'no-show' and just expect to grow up and become a millionaire."

When asked what tips she had for those considering internships through Partnership Rapid City, Cyrissa said, "Treat it as a job, be on time, and do more than is expected of you. Be responsible, and get your priorities straight."

Cyrissa said she would recommend the program to anyone. "I think it could and should be a required course in high school," she said. "It gives kids a chance to experience what a job is really like. I never want to be stuck in a job that doesn't make me happy."

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