It’s an age-old question: What do you want to be when you grow up? To help ponder that inquiry, each year middle school students from sixth through eighth grade at the Flood Brook School think about and research the endless possibilities.
“The idea is that by the time one reaches middle school you might want to start exploring what lies ahead professionally,” says FBS School Counselor Brooke Paxton. “No rush to make any final decisions, but time to consider the possibilities and what is needed to get there.”
The Annual Career Day at FBS draws on resources from parents, the local community, and across the state. This year’s gathering of experts included representatives from the fields of law, education, emergency medical services (EMT), corrections, daycare providers, physician assistants, engineering, medical technicians, game wardens, cosmetology, butchers, bakers and more.
The day is divided into three sessions. Students sign up in advance for the forums or presentations they wish to attend. In allocating slots, preference is given to eighth graders. By the time they finish middle school at Flood Brook, students have been introduced to up to nine possible career paths.
Before selecting their final choices, students are given tools to aid in that process. Time is spent, for example, thinking about what values are important to each individual and how that might impact a possible career path. Some that want more independence might consider fields where they would be able to start their own business. A student that wants space for family life and hobbies might pursue a profession that allows for that extra time. If public service floats your boat, maybe consider a job in government or a field like law.
The visiting career experts talk about what they do and the experience and education that choice requires. Students, meanwhile, come prepared with their own questions. In some sessions, the attendees are given opportunities for some hands-on practice. The future physician assistants, for example, took blood pressure, monitored heart rates and learned how to stitch up a cut to stop the bleeding.
"It was fun, I enjoyed it,” said one middle schooler. “I appreciated seeing all the things and hearing from people who actually do the jobs."
That reaction fits nicely with the school’s objective for Career Day. “As each year goes by, it becomes more important for our students to be prepared for a lifetime of changing career paths,” says FBS Principal Johanna Liskowsky-Doak. “I’d like to think that the practices we pass along at Flood Brook, may help our kids embrace and navigate that journey in the future. I also appreciate that many parents were our guest presenters this year, it is a great way to honor and give space to recognize the hard work and expertise our families have as well”
(Photo above: Learning to take a blood pressure reading is just one of the basic skills for a physician assistant. )
Students gather in the library to learn what it takes to be a pharmacist.
Hands-on is always a hit, especially when curling hair for a career in cosmetology.
Students ask questions about the education requirements needed for a career as a corrections officer.