Teen’s first job making an impact

By Kimberly Dinwiddie

When most teenagers get their first job, the feeling of freedom and independence is exciting and memorable, although often times the job itself is less exciting. For 16-year-old Lovie Sanders this is not the case.

“This is my first job and I am ecstatic about it,” shared Sanders, whose new job is to guide volunteers in planting trees along the Interstate 205 Multi-Use Path. “I get to meet new people, and work with friends and people from all ages and backgrounds.”

Sanders is a student at Rosemary Anderson High School, a program of Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center (Portland OIC)—an organization dedicated to helping at-risk youth engage in school and training.

“I like the small community. It allows me to focus and stay on track with my grades,” said Sanders.

Portland OIC recently joined in a unique partnership with Friends of Trees, ODOT and Metro to green the I-205 Multi-Use Path with thousands of trees and shrubs over a three-year period.

As part of the project, Portland OIC and other organizations including Verde, Portland Development Commission, and Worksystems, Inc. have created 16 green jobs and are expanding environmental education to under-served and minority communities.

Sanders said she eventually wants to become a veterinarian assistant. She loves animals and has had many pets, including bunnies, dogs, pigeons and hamsters. She has also had over 52 cats in the course of her life—she takes them in, feeds them, and gets them neutered before giving the cats away to a good home.

In addition to planting trees and taking care of animals, Sanders said that she loves to sing and draw. One day she would like to take her artistic talents on the road along with her animals. For now, Sanders enjoys hanging out with friends, playing video games, reading, listening to music and writing poetry.

As for her current job through Portland OIC, Sanders said she never planted trees before. “I have done gardening with my Mom, but never planted trees,” she explained. “But I’m used to digging holes. When you have had as many pets as I have, you dig holes often.”

More information on the I-205 project is available, including this PGE video, this Friends of Trees video, and a comprehensive brochure.

–Dinwiddie works for the Oregon Department of Transporation