In the Spotlight
Upper Valley Juniors Explore Careers at the Regional Career Carnival
| Students from Windsor High School gather information for a career facts scavenger hunt. Young
people in America today are often brought up with the mindset
and conviction that they can follow any path they might choose.
They are told they ca
 n
be whatever they want when they "grow up," and with
ever increasing opportunities in education and general mobility,
this freedom of choice is the realistic expectation of the majority
of teenagers today. With this freedom of choice, however, also
comes the burden of responsible planning and decision-making.
For while the prospect of a limitless future is wonderful, it
can also be overwhelming. There are hundreds of different career
paths out there, and it can be difficult to know which way to
turn, or what advances to make, at the age of sixteen or seventeen.
The Upper Valley Business and Education Partnership addressed this daunting task head on when they organized and hosted the 2nd annual Career Carnival at the Fireside Inn and Suites in West Lebanon, NH in October 2002. Juniors from seven area high schools – Hanover, Lebanon, Newport, Rivendell, Stevens, Sunapee, and Windsor – were invited to spend the day exploring various career options and activities in over thirty dynamic career fields. In the Midway, representatives from various employers across the Upper Valley set up booths and colorful displays chock full of information and tidbits of advice. The students were able to explore the diverse exhibits at their leisure, asking questions, and gathering relevant facts and figures in the career fields of their respective interests. Students told us, "The best part of the Career Carnival was to meet different people and learn about different jobs." and "The people listened to what I had to say!" Additionally, students from UVBEP partner schools attended a workshop of their choice presented by a local professional that dealt with issues ranging from properly organizing a résumé to business leadership skills. They were able to ask these professionals in-depth questions about specific topics in an enclosed environment, and, more importantly, they were able to get answers. One student said: " The most valuable thing I learned in the Carousel workshop is that everyone has the potential to be a leader, responsibility is important, and I should always try and inspire someone."
Tom Monteleone leads the Carousel Workshop "Writing for Life". |
