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EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY:To infinity and beyond

For this ophthalmic technician, giving back is not an option ... it’s the only option.

BY CIERRA JONES

“To infinity and beyond!” It sounds cliché, huh? Perhaps in most situations, this may be true. However, I’ve begun to see the phrase as the perfect caption for my life. Let me explain.

In 2011, my friend Kenneth Booth and I started CJKB Infinity Sports, in Charleston, WV. Our goal was to provide a free basketball camp to children from low-income families. We came up with the idea on July 4 of that year and planned a two-day camp for Aug. 11 and 12. Every aspect of organizing and starting our own business started at that very moment. We lacked guidance and experience. We were both 21 year olds who had to teach ourselves the ropes in only five weeks.

CJKB Infinity Sports has served the community with a number of activities, including a football clinic hosted by Seattle Seahawk linebacker Bruce Irvin.

As partners, we were responsible for everything from registering the business to designing pamphlets for sign-ups, ordering shirts, and gathering volunteers to help run the camp. In the past five years, we’ve watched the annual basketball camp grow from 35 to 120 kids. While the camp was the main goal of our business, we also undertook other activities. CJKB hosted a baseball clinic, provided Thanksgiving dinner for the underprivileged and even teamed up with Bruce Irvin of the Seattle Seahawks for a two-day football camp. It’s hard work, a lot of networking, and more organization than I ever could have imagined. And this isn’t even the job that pays me.

At my full-time job, I work as an ophthalmic technician for a group of six doctors at West Virginia Eye Consultants. I primarily work with the group’s cornea specialist, Heather Skeens, MD. I’m responsible for patient exam work-ups, assisting Dr. Skeens with procedures in the office and surgery scheduling for one of the satellite offices. I love it; I really couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

One question I’m often asked is: How can I keep both Infinity Sports and my regular job afloat? My answer: time management. I make conference calls at lunch and conduct board meetings in the evenings for Infinity Sports. I use Post-It notes everywhere. I don’t do well with planners or alerts on my phone because I have to see everything every day to keep it constant in my mind. As long as I can have times and dates written down and keep a focus on the final goal, I’m usually OK.

Malichai and Naomi provide Cierra with peace of mind.

Sometimes, rest does not seem to be an option. My body sleeps, but my mind still works non-stop. My friends, family and two very special kids, Malichai and Naomi, provide me with peace of mind.

Looking ahead, I want to watch my organization grow, continue to help people and get into med school. (Infinity means limitless, right?) I’m just going to have to get used to other techniques than Post-It notes to get the job done. OP

• For more information on CJKB Infinity Sports INC, visit cjkbinfinitysports.org.