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Jerry Jones took a moment to catch a glimpse of the worn pages that made up the sea of novels in the library's lobby.
He put all his responsibilities aside for a late Wednesday afternoon to survey the used book sale his friend referred him to a few hours before. He already found a few books of interest: one on slavery in Latin America and a biography of Marcus Garvey. Jones awakens to every new day just grateful to be alive. Throw in some interesting novels for only $3 a piece, and he is already calling it a great day.
The day before, though, he was the first candidate fired from "The Associate," the College of Business and Economics' version of "The Apprentice." Jones was fire his birthday, but his life just keeps on going.
Looking Backward
Jones knew he wanted to be involved in the corporate culture as he grew up. As he said, coming from an African American neighborhood and background, Jones knew it would be important to learn and understand aspects of business.
"If the majority [of business students] are coming from the Caucasian perspective, that would give me an edge on thought, belief, culture, accounting principles, the whole nine yards," he said.
Jones juggles three majors: Spanish literature, computer information systems, and business administration. Jones began his freshman year aspiring only to be a CIS major, but looked into taking business classes as he saw the two majors interconnect.
He decided it would be possible to receive focus on multiple areas of study within his four years of college -- he could "kill two birds with one stone." He later declared Spanish Literature as a third major.
"I didn't do too well in high school, so I wanted to prove to myself that I can actually do well, do better," Jones explained.
He uses Spanish to learn outside the classroom, like studying abroad in Mexico and Cuba on several occasions.
At Baltimore County's Dumbarton Middle School, where Jones assisted teachers with the lessons, teaching students from all over the world, including Africa, India, and native countries of Latin America. He volunteered there for over a year.
Currently, Jones is working with Lea Ramsdell, assistant professor in the department of modern languages, on a project for Latino workers around Towson. Ramsdell encouraged Jones to major in Spanish.
"Jerry believes strongly in reaching out to the Latino community in our midst," Ramsdell said. "I asked him to assist me in the preliminary stages of setting up an ESOL [English as a second language] program for Spanish-speaking Aramark workers. I can always depend on Jerry because when he gives his word he always follows through." Jones found similar outreach activities within his other majors.
As a freshman, Jones worked for The Shelter Group, a company based out of Baltimore, where he learned business while working as an intern.
The Shelter Group is a national real estate development and property management company specializing in multi-family and senior living rental communities, according to their website.
Jones did child advocacy work with the Maryland Children's Activity Network and also with the Children's Defense Fund, which encases the No Child Left Behind Movement.
"All of these things are for corporate non profit organizations that has definitely broadened my horizons from what I've learned academically and out of the classroom," Jones said.
He also worked with McCormick and Company for six months last year doing software prototyping and learning how an information technology industry functions. Jones is currently the president of the Computer and Technology Club.
Jones knew it would be difficult to fit three majors in four years, but says it was worth all the scheduling difficulties.
From Community to Candidacy
Department of Marketing and E-commerce Administrative Assistant Diane Hornbuckle introduced The Associate to Jones. She was the one to eventually encourage him to apply as a candidate.
"I encouraged Jerry to apply for The Associate because I'm very impressed by his academic accomplishments, his ability to relate to people, and his truly caring nature," Hornbuckle explained. "I felt The Associate would give him an experience that would only enhance his abilities."
At first, Jones was weary about his time restrictions, but soon he acknowledged the benefits outweighed the complexities.
On Feb. 16, the two teams, Bank Shot and Dynasty, were given their first case assignments. They had Thursday and Friday to meet with their clients and form their ideas. The teams were tasked with brainstorming ideas for how to promote the new Towson office location for the law firm of Miles and Stockbridge.
Saturday was set as a workday for the groups to get together and finalize the proposal they would present on Sunday.
Team Bank Shot's proposal beat out Dynasty's. Just like "The Apprentice," the losing team had to report to the boardroom last Tuesday where someone would be fired.
The members of the team were given a chance to talk about their presentation and then the judges left the room to make a decision. While Team Dynasty waited out the judge's return, the four seniors talked as if there was nothing to worry about.
"We were all very comfortable with one another, and we were just talking about it being my birthday," Jones said.
As for their presentation, Jones said his group "hit the nail directly on the head." He was proud of their "out-of-the-box strategy," but decided "the presentation may not have been as flawless as our ideas."
His group's ideas were creative, but that was inevitably their downfall because the law firm seemed to want a more direct answer, Jones said.
Mission Accomplished
Jones had a feeling it was him that would be leaving and he did not want it any other way.
"The whole time I knew, I knew I was going to be the first to go," said Jones. "I felt as if the reason I joined, I got what I needed out of it. I was just waiting for them to say, 'OK Jerry, this is what we've decided and it's time for you to go.'"
Jones' gut feeling was right; he was fired. Boss Ed Hale, chairman for First Mariner Bank, told Jones this opportunity should be a priority and he did not choose to make it one.
On the Saturday Jones was supposed to help his group finalize their proposal, he attended the 2005 National Society of Black Engineers Conference Award instead. He was honored to help recognize head African Americans from companies for their hard work.
"That was a conference I was very, very happy to have attended," Jones said. "I met a lot more people for relations and networking."
While Jones was waiting for the announcement of his firing, he was just happy to speak on behalf of his teammates. He said his team never made it "an I, I, I thing. Everything was a team."
Even though he was only a candidate for a week, Jones knows he is walking away with something great.
"Just to tap [Ed's] brain just a little bit -- just to tap a brain like that, mission accomplished. That really adds value to a young man's life," Jones said.
As for getting fired on his birthday, Jones still said his birthday was great. He got everything he wanted.
"I'm so grateful to even be alive, especially coming from where I come from," Jones said.
The Greatest Birthday Present
Jones admitted his ease in leaving came from his purpose for applying in the first place.
"My whole purpose for doing The Associate was not for a job," Jones said. "I have decent work experience. I'll have three degrees. The hard work will speak for itself." He thought it was more rare that he would meet someone as important as Hale so easily than it would be to eventually get a job.
Jones made one contact in particular that may be very beneficial in the future.
"I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. The contacts that I have gotten out of it so far have definitely paid off... I have this great contact now who will probably be able to help me help my dad."
Dennis Finnegan, one of the judges of the competition and Hale's bank sidekick, is on the Board of Directors for Goodwill.
Part of his job is to find work placement for convicts released from prison. When Finnegan mentioned this fact to him, Jones' face lit up. His father is to be released from prison in 2010.
"Probably one of the greatest birthday presents is finding that great contact for my dad," Jones said. "I can help my dad find a job out of prison."
And after his week ended, Jones shared some advice for the remaining candidates: know why you are there, and have a distinct goal in mind.
"If you don't have a goal, I suggest finding a purpose quickly," Jones recommended. Then he said with a smile, "Otherwise it's just a waste of time, and in the business perspective, time is money."
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