Imagine being a branch manager for an international skin care company, getting flown around the country for the job, and moving to Hawaii to attend college. Then, imagine balancing those responsibilities with the task of succeeding in high school. This is the not-so-normal life of senior David Jenkins.
His passion-driven work ethic began to benefit Jenkins in middle school, where he enjoyed giving airbrush tattoos. The money he made from that hobby eventually allowed him to create quality jewelry as a successful business — all while still in middle school.
Fast forward five years to the present, Jenkins is a manager of the Premier Dead Sea skin care store in Grand Rapids. Prior to hiring Jenkins, the Israeli company had never hired anyone younger than 24 years old to work.
He got the job at 15.
Working for Premier broadened Jenkins’ world beyond anything he expected. His contact book is filled with people around the country, and his workplace is full of Israeli culture. It also allows him to learn and share what he is interested in: skin care.
“Ultimately, I want to be a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist, so this is the best way for me to get into the field now,” Jenkins said. “I’m not going to be stopping, I already signed a contract and I am doing the same thing in Hawaii.”
Next year, Jenkins is attending Hawaii Pacific University to acquire his Bachelor in Science degree and then plans to attend medical school.
“If you consider 5,000 miles away a baby step, college in Hawaii is my baby step before international. For med school I am looking at New Zealand, like Otago University. I’m sticking to the island life you know,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins believes that everything happens for a reason, and forcing things to occur won’t help any situation. He emphasizes keeping his opportunities open and stress to a minimum has led him to where he is.
“A week before I was getting flown to Hawaii for work, I got in an accident. Four cars, and mine was completely demolished,” Jenkins said. “I was like you know what, this happened. I wonder why? Obviously it happened for a reason. So, I went on the trip, came back, and I just bought an Audi that I am bringing to college. “
Obtaining such success at a young age is a rare but inspiring high school experience. Not everyone can manage international companies at age 17, but anyone can create their own story for themselves.