Name: Jacoby T. Simpson
Current Job Position Title: Aviation Support Equipment Technician
Company Name: United States Navy
Contact Information: simpsojt23@gmail.com; j.verse@live.com
Special skills: First Aid Responder
Describe your job story:
Well, I eneded up joining the Navy back in 2005. I was in between jobs and looking through the classifieds in the AJC. I saw an ad talking about being a Mechanic working on airplanes so I gave the number a call. It was after I placed the call that I was connected to a detailer for the Navy. I went to boot camp in September and made it home just in time for Thanksgivings. That Decemeber I was on my way to Hawaii, my first duty station. At the time I had no specific rate so I was undesignated. The good thing about this was that I got to learn and exprienece a wide variety of jobs the Navy had to offer before choosing one of my own. From 2006 until 2008, I spent traveling the world, stopping piracy (Yes, actual piracy) and constant training and training those under me. I chose being an “AS” because of the similarities of what I had already been doing. A lot of work and plenty of gear to keep the Naval Avaition Communtiy moving forward and our birds flying.
What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?
To be honest, there were many things I wanted to be. An artist, musician, poet, pilot, race driver, dancer, singer, even the first famous black hockey player.
Are doing your dream job?
Not at the moment. However, I am working on my first poetry book. My dream job is currently a work in progress. To start my own buisness with a few good friends of mine that I have been working with over the years.
What do you like MOST about what you do?
There is never a dull moment with the people I work with. We’re a family and we like to look out for each other to stregthen the unit as a whole.
What do you like the LEAST?
Not much.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In the next five years I would probably still being doing this or I could be out in the world promoting my books or even fulfilling my dream job. The future is unknown but I tend to aim for success no matter where my path may take me.
Are you happy with where you are in life?
I am. There are a lot of things in this world that I don’t necessarily agree with but in the end my personal happiness is what matters the most.
What more do you want to do with your life?
Scuba dive in remote parts of the world. Take my wife and kids to some of the places I have traveled to so they can see the world like I have seen it.
What drives/motivates you?
My drive comes from a lot of events that happened in my past. My grandmother was a really strong and great woman. I lost her last year right before my birthday so I strive to be better than the legacy she left behind for us. My wife and my boys drive me more because they believe in me and want to see me do great things.
What else do you do?
Full time husband and father. I never have time off so I make the most of it whenever I can.
What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?
No one knows you better than you. If you want the best in life, you have to carve your path into this world because no one is just going to give it to you.
