Brandon Temple has amassed an impressive resume since graduating from Burroughs in 2020 — ownership of 760 Fitness, member of the Board of Directors at the Chamber of Commerce and the Measure V Oversight Committee, and Relay for Life coordinator. He can also add motivational speaker to the list.
On Tuesday, Temple took time out of his day to give a presentation to Teacher Tristan Kratz’ classes during the school’s third College and Career Day of the year, speaking on the importance of workplace professionalism.
Before delving into his primary topic, Temple focused on letting the students know how they could build up a resume now, including volunteer work and side jobs. Temple also recommended helping out at Tony Malone’s North Pole in town this year.
During his presentation, he asked students to define professionalism from their perspective, and gave them several scenarios to practice what they were learning and test what they already knew.
Temple guided students through understanding boundaries in the workplace, dealing with gossip, giving constructive criticism, and acknowledging personal struggles in the workplace.
He shifted focus over to leadership qualities afterwards, talking about how students should focus on what they can control and develop skills like an open mind and resilience.
Finally, Temple discussed doing business in a small town like Ridgecrest at a younger age. He stressed how important it was to present oneself positively, get involved in city events, and give back to the community. He also gave students a list of things to consider if they wanted to start their own business, like loans and permitting.
At the end of the presentation, Temple expressed his faith in the younger generation to be able to do well for themselves in life.
Temple’s presentation was able to give students a comprehensive look at how to succeed in a job, and how to start their own business here in town, just like he did.
Kratz had high praise after reading her students’ reflections.
“The overall student response to Brandon Temple was so positive,” said Kratz. “The students were both very impressed with him and heard him!”
She said his story resonated with them — how he had not always been the best student, made the best decisions, or surrounded himself with the most goal-oriented people — yet he had been able to change his focus and become successful, doing what he loves at such a young age.
According to Kratz, key ideas that the students took away were that gossiping and using your cellphone at work can get you fired; potential employers and colleges may look at your social media presence before they even ask you in for an interview; and teenagers who present themselves as the opposite of any negative teen stereotypes will gain an advantage.
“They were surprised to learn that they live in a town that wants to invest in them,” said Kratz. She said she and Temple are looking for ways to build off the initial presentation.
