The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Students learn about unique jobs at career day
MIDDLETOWN — Middle-school students learned about careers — and journeys — at the fifth 21st Century Community Learning Center’s career day April 5.
Students from Keigwin and Woodrow Wilson middle schools’ 21st CCLC programs chatted with 30 presenters in the WWMS cafeteria, including members of the Army National Guard, an orthodontist, exotic animal exhibitor, pizza maker and the mayor.
This year’s career day featured three times more presenters. “We were very appreciative of the support from the mayor, the school board, our school administration, the military, as well as the time and effort presenters put into preparing and providing such engaging props as pizza dough, live exotic animals, skeletons, photographs of a day on the job, and other tools of the trade,” said Program Director LisaMarie Sherman.
“It was amazing how many people came for us,” one student said afterward. “It made me feel proud for some reason.”
“I liked how the presenters explained how their jobs worked and how they were all so different,” said another. “There are so many possibilities.”
Prior to the beginning of the afternoon’s events, Miguel Peralta, program coordinator, Upward Bound Math-Science & Public Schools Collaborative for Wesleyan University’s Upward Bound program, encouraged students to ask people not just about their work, but their journeys to that career.
“This is a great opportunity to ask people what they do, and, more importantly, how they got there. People change their minds multiple times on their way to a career. In the end, you learn what you are good at and what not, and you learn about the world around you, and what it has to offer, and what you have to offer,” she said.
Everyone has stumbled on their personal journeys, Peralta added, but it is important to keep an open mind and seize every opportunity.
“Along the journey, you will be presented with many opportunities that shape what type of a person you will become. Often, there are opportunities outside of school, like Upward Bound that will help prepare you for college. It is up to you to take advantage of these opportunities — not your mom or dad — it is up to you to learn about the world.
“You need to take any opportunity to showcase your skills with a positive attitude,” she said.
One presenter, Wesleyan University associate chemistry professor Erika Taylor, who studies proteins, said she did not envision this career path when she was in high school.
“I thought I would be a doctor or a lawyer. I was always asking ‘why?’
“I had a mentor in high school who suggested science. While in college, I had the opportunity to do research and studied proteins. Now that is what I do. I have 3D representatives of proteins to help understand how they work,” Taylor added.
“Better understanding of proteins can lead to discoveries, like new drugs.”
Taylor also encourages students to pursue science through the Girls in Science camp at Macdonough Elementary School.
“It’s important for kids to see that being a science professor doesn’t mean being an old man. I want to inspire kids and show them that science is awesome and for them.”
Demia, age 11, talked with Taylor. “I like how she is coming up with a plan to help people,” said Demia, who knows what she’d like to do in the future.
“I want to keep working on inventions.”
Several presenters said they were impressed with the students’ questions and curiosity.
“Is it busy?” sixth-grader Iesha asked Middletown Mayor Dan Drew about his day.
“There are days when I have nothing on the calendar. That’s when everything comes up,” Drew joked.
“I love learning about different jobs,” Iesha said after the exchange.
“This is a great opportunity to hear from the kids — it’s important to hear how mature they are,” said Drew, who was surrounded by a group of inquisitive students. “Some asked why I wanted to be mayor and if it was hard.
Maj. Corey Holmes of the Army National Guard said many of the kids asked how he got started in the guard and how long he has been serving.
Dalya, 14, an eighth grader, said she learned it is a privilege to serve in the Army National Guard.
“It might be something in which I’m interested,” she said. “It was interesting to find out they are happy with what they have done in the guard.”
“I’ve always wanted to talk to somebody in the military,” another student said after the conference. “I didn’t know there were so many things I could do in the military. That’s a job I would be very proud of.”
Homes said he joined the Guard while in high school and stuck with it. “It’s a simple start to do anything you want to do. We all have simple starts and then follow our dreams.”
Career day was a good way to help get students not just college ready, but career ready as well, said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Connor. “This is excellent exposure. This helps them to set a target and then work to get there. They can use the information to apply in classrooms.”
For example, not many people know what is involved in being an orthodontist, but numerous students had the chance to attach brackets onto sets of “teeth” to get a feel for the job, thanks to Middletown orthodontist Dr. Gillian Kelly.
“I tell them there are lots of people in the office with lots of jobs. I also tell them I was almost 30 years old when I finished school.”
She chose to attend career day because she feels it is important to encourage young minds to think outside the box. “I wanted to give back to the community I live and work in in a small way, so I am glad to do it,” Kelly said.