Educators look toward students' future

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
As an adult, it may be apparent how important early educational choices are to future career decisions. That is not always the case for young students.

Ben Eielson High School held the second annual Career Day event Feb. 16, so eighth through eleventh graders could learn more about class electives in relation to career choices.

Students received guidance from educators and guests employed in several highlighted career fields that could prove useful as the children continue to pursue education and career goals.

Educating students about the different paths may help put them on the right track toward those goals.

"Career Day is a great opportunity for them and the more it develops, with more opportunities being presented, the better our children will be prepared for the real world," said David Gomez, 354th Force Support Squadron school liaison officer. "They can either walk away from a field saying that's not for me or I'm very interested in that and I want to learn more."

Representatives from health sciences, business management, finance, architecture, construction and education careers made themselves available to answer students' questions.

Additionally, elective course representatives like the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, music, yearbook and the pre-apprenticeship program were available to inform children of the possibilities their elective class could lead to.

Students learned which electives are geared toward specific career pathways. Involving representatives who actually perform the jobs the students may be interested in is beneficial as students determine their interests.

According to Mario Gatto, BEHS principal, the educators understand that students are still young and may change their minds two or three times, but at least they can focus instead of just taking an elective to satisfy requirements.

"This is your opportunity to have a choice in what classes you're taking next year," the principal told the students. "So it's real important you do this."

The students were also asked to involve their parents by sharing their elective choices for the next year with them before bringing their choices to the school counselor.

"By having guests speak to them, it gives them an idea of what their future could be like," said Gomez. "Most of the time, students don't know what they want to do, but by affording them more opportunities for an inside look, they get a chance to narrow down their options because they've already eliminated those other factors."

The career extravaganza not only showed the students real-world applications for their courses, it also broadened their scope of available careers. At the career investigations table, Gomez let the students know they can take the reins on their future.

"Nothing is out of bounds and nothing is limited; go for it," said Gomez.

BEHS educators have slated an annual career day to maintain the standards of educating high school students of their options. Life after high school may not be the foremost thought on students' minds, but career events like these can help make the difference.