Kate Howard
Reporter
When you ask a kid what they want to be when they grow up their response is never the same the second time. “When I was little, I always said I wanted to be a flower girl, but then I realized the people who sold flowers were called florists. So, I wanted to be a florist. But then later, I decided I wanted to be a professional horseback rider instead,” Sophomore Sarah Luke said.
Just like Sarah, others have been asking themselves the same question: what do I want to be when I grow up? On Tuesday, March 22 from 7-9 in the school’s classrooms, this question may be answered for students by attending an informative and interactive Career Night hosted by the Parent Faculty Association.
Career night will present freshmen through seniors with the opportunity to expand their insights on different professions, piquing their curiosity and interests for both familiar and unfamiliar fields. Throughout the evening, students will have the chance to choose two classrooms to visit, which host three to four speakers from related occupations. “We always advise students to go to at least two things that they are interested in and choose a third thing that they know nothing about so they come away with a surprise,” Susan Carroll, Coordinator of the College and Career Center, said.
According to Career Night Committee Chair and volunteer Lisa Smith, a variety of speakers are attending. “Fifty speakers are coming to speak on a wide variety of occupations including sports, medicine, business, television, engineering, the arts, law, hospitality and even staff from Saturday Night Live and Nickelodeon,” she said.
The Speakers, ranging from seasoned professionals to newcomers will, in 35-minute sessions, discuss topics such as a typical workday, internships, and necessary education, with ample time allowed for questions. Alumni of NCHS, parents, friends, and guests from local and distances will be sharing their experiences.
President of Darien Sport Shop Gina Zangrillo, a past and upcoming presenter, advises students to follow their interests when selecting workshops to attend. “They should try to go to as many rooms they can because I find it paves the way of what you might want to do in your life.”
Ms. Carroll explained how this event is intended to get students thinking beyond graduation. “The main goal for Career Night is to have students walk away from the evening understanding that there is a point to going to class everyday and there is a real connection between high school and a career,” she said. “Although there are life experiences in-between, what students are learning today will have an impact on their future.”
Career Night, which has taken months of organizing, will provide students with a competitive advantage for work in their desired field [should they chose to take advantage of it].“This information is helpful not just in planning for your future job,” Ms. Smith said, “but what you might want to study in college and high school.”
