Eighth Graders Learn About Careers

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” That was the question eighth graders at  were asked to consider during the school’s annual Eighth Grade Career Awareness Day program.
The event, which was held April 20, featured speakers representing various professions who spoke to the students about their backgrounds, education, and career paths. There were also opportunities for the students to ask questions of the speakers.
The morning program opened in the auditorium with a student produced video staring eighth graders who talked about their goals and aspirations. LCJSMS Principal Matthew Block made the keynote address, encouraging students to begin thinking about their career goals and dreams. Following the assembly, students broke into smaller groups to listen to the guest speakers, who represented careers in fashion, athletics, medicine, reporting, and other fields.
“The speakers were extremely thorough in discussing their career choices, education and training, and job skills, often using candor and humor to make their points,” said guidance counselor Stefanie Jurista, who organized the program.
Thinking about the future
Ms. Jurista said student feedback indicated that the program was well received, with students describing it as “insightful and interesting.”
One student reported that he “enjoyed the program because it increased his knowledge about real life jobs – particularly the Eyewitness News Team!” Another said the biomedical engineer’s presentation made him more interested in exploring a career in medicine. And yet another “wanted to buy all the dresses the fashion designer brought in.”
“Career Awareness Day is a significant program because it is so important that our students begin thinking about their future plans as they embark on their journey to high school,” Ms. Jurista said. “We would not have been able to reach this objective without the panelists’ willingness to share their own personal experiences with our students.  Because of the collective effort, commitment and dedication of the guidance department, faculty members and panelists, Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School was able to deliver a high quality and successful career education program.” Assisting in organizing the event were guidance counselors Jane Parkinson, Elke Luftig, and Cristina Martinez, Guidance Department Supervisor Dr. John Schnedeker, and technology consultant Dory Marcus. Career Day is a highlight of the eighth grade advisory curriculum and is an integral part of the Career Exploration unit.