By Malu Monrreal
Panther Press
NRHEG 9th graders attended “Career Day” at the South Central College campus in Faribault on Friday, November 5. The trip was organized by secondary school counselor Liz Stiernagle.
Approximately fifty students attended, divided into three groups, each of which had its own schedule and attended different sessions lasting about 15 minutes each. These included professionals and representatives from various fields who talked about the challenges and rewards of their jobs.
This field trip takes place every year. Ninth grade students get to step out of their comfort zone by attending Career Day. Students get acquainted with the Faribault college and get ideas for different careers that they could practice in the future. Stiernagle believes the opportunity is very valuable because it gives 9th graders the chance to think and talk about their futures. What she hopes students take home from the experience is an understanding that there are more career options than most people think of.
Presenters used a wide array of techniques to present their messages, including slide shows, games, and even hands-on activities which allowed them to build small items.
Liz considers it important to continue to take future freshman classes to events like career day, so they can be inspired to think more seriously about career possibilities. Career Day has been done many times previous to 2021, however, last year it had to be canceled due to the pandemic. Thankfully this year South Central was able to put it back together. Things were slightly changed though, observes Stiernagle. “Before the pandemic there were no mask requirements, and I think it was a little bit more hands on… These businesses typically would have students more engaged, and have them do some of the work: For example, a pizza business would come and bring supplies and tools that they used. Students were able to pass around the tools and learn how to use them…” Even though Stiernagle believes career day is a great opportunity for students she feels that “...hands on activities were not maximized…'' due to the pandemic.
Students seemed to really like and learn from Career Day. Student Melina Monrreal said that she recommends Career Day to future 9th graders.” Melina found each presentation unique and interesting, because all speakers were very detailed in their presentations. She really enjoyed “meeting new people” and learning about different career fields. Another 9th grader who attended, Wendy Garcia Guiterrez, really enjoyed each presentation, but her favorite was given by the firefighters. Wendy said, “He gave me an idea of what I want to be when I grow up. I learned that I have to be brave and risk my life to save others, and that really interested me…” Wendy also loved getting to go to a college, because she had never visited a college before. Overall, Career Day seems to have been a great success, since both students and staff really enjoyed having this day as part of the curriculum.