When you look at Career Day, you see a range of different fields of work coming together to give students the opportunity to learn about certain careers. What people don’t see is how big a task it is to find people to fill those positions. Thankfully, we have Midge Collins, who works in our College and Career Center, who spends a great amount of time making sure we can have this event. It takes time, planning, and lots of communication. Mrs. Collins has shared that in order for her to gather presenters, she would mail and email invitations, call businesses, and even visit establishments. One of the biggest challenges she faced was that “professionals are working during our school hours, and many jobs lose income by attending.” So it takes a lot for these presenters to give their time. It was also difficult to place them into rooms that are close in their job types, while also making sure there is a teacher available to watch over the room. Despite these challenges, the event comes together each year thanks to Mrs. Collins, presenters, and teachers having a strong desire to give our students meaningful experiences.
“This isn’t just a school event, it’s a chance for students to connect with professionals and learn about future possibilities,” Mrs. Collins explained, “The thing I love most about Career Day is the opportunity for our community professionals to connect with our amazing students. They were once high schoolers trying to determine their path after graduation.” To make the most out of this experience, we as students are encouraged to take notes and be ready with questions. By hearing directly from presenters, students were able to gain insight “that a career quiz or Google search can’t replace,” Mrs. Collins adds. This also leads to helping students imagine their own journey beyond high school.
Career Day gives students the chance to explore a variety of careers and “helps to see what it is like in the real world versus just a teacher,” says Anita Lamoureux, the Business and Marketing teacher. The event brings together people from many fields, including healthcare, the military, and aviation, who share their experiences, advice, and stories. Students not only listen but also get to ask questions, take notes, and make connections with the presenters. Each session offers something unique, helping students understand what education, training, and skills are needed for different jobs. Eric Stauffer, a math teacher, shared, “My sessions went very well. My presenters were recruiters for the U.S. Army. They were very thorough with the information regarding requirements for joining, pay, advantages, and perceived negatives of joining. They made their presentation interactive, which kept the sessions moving and the participants engaged.” More positive experiences were shared by Brooklyn Hamilton, a sophomore. “My favorite session was the ultrasound tech because she was very knowledgeable about what she does. She made the audience engaged and helped answer questions with many details.” Students were showing interest, taking good notes, and asking questions when the presentation had an interesting aspect to draw them in, which many presenters did.
In the end, this event is much more than a typical school activity; it’s a meaningful experience that brings students, teachers, and local professionals together in a way that inspires learning and growth. Through the dedication of Mrs. Collins, the presenters, and the school staff, students are given a valuable opportunity to explore potential career paths and gain a clearer understanding of what their futures could look like. Hearing real stories from people who were once in their position helps students realize that their dreams are achievable with hard work and determination. Whether it’s learning about the medical field, military service, or aviation, Career Day gives every student a glimpse into the possibilities that await them after graduation. All it takes is one conversation.
