Our Voice: Pasco career day expands opportunities for students

Amid the constant bombardment of media messages this election season, you may have tuned out some of the good things happening right here at home.

Last week, two enterprising teachers at Pasco High School opened the eyes of their students with a massive career fair featuring more than 100 professionals who shared information about their own career paths.

Marcie White, one of the teachers spearheading the undertaking, said her students’ narrow scope of opportunities led her to produce the career fair. Before the event, most kids would say they wanted to be a professional athlete or a doctor. And while we want students to set high goals, not everyone can — or wants to be — either of those in real life.

In addition to the doctor and athlete paths, students instead heard about what it takes to be a cook, a nurse and a janitor as well as myriad other professions.

The teachers wanted students to hear about the paths the speakers took to get where they are today. We all know the first declared major in college is not where we all ended up. And college is not for everyone. Some are ready to join the work force and follow their route forward right out of high school.

Instead of droning on to a gymnasium full of kids, speakers were stationed in classrooms and held court for six 30-minute sessions. Students chose careers they wanted to learn more about and teachers tried to pair them with relevant presenters.

An athlete, a chef and a representative of the automotive industry peaked student interest. Nursing was also a big draw.

We know it took a lot of time for the two teachers to organize, and we appreciate the 100 people who took time out of their day to share their stories with the students. Information and education is key to helping them make choices that fit their goals and strengths to be successful in life.

The teachers say they plan to hold the event every year. If you get a call to help, please find the time to be an example for these young people trying to find their way in life. So many opportunities exist that many of them have not been exposed to or even have an inkling would be a career option.

White and her fellow teacher Julia Dudley are going above and beyond for our kids and deserve our appreciation and assistance with their efforts.

This story was originally published November 9, 2016 at 4:28 AM with the headline "Our Voice: Pasco career day expands opportunities for students."