Colton Career Day Inspires Youth

Last Wednesday, March 18th, Colton Middle School (CMS) hosted its annual Career Day for all of their students on campus. Throughout the day, over 1,000 students visited over sixty different professionals who spoke to the to eager students about what they do. The students did not waste any time to begin talking to paramedics, social workers, parole officers, representatives from the District Attorney, pilots, actors, athletes, talent trainers, and of course, educators. The biggest hit of the day was the professional football player Shareece Wright, #29 for the San Diego Chargers and CMS Alumni. Students swarmed his booth from start to finish for questions, autographs, and pictures with the professional football player who once walked the same halls as those students. “The best part was seeing the kids get to learn about all the different career opportunities that are out there and see them getting excited about their future,” says Veronica Rodriguez, RSP teacher for CMS. Career Day has been a long standing tradition for CMS, but this is only the second year that the school has arranged it at this splendor. Rodriguez, alongside Chris Herlihy, were responsible for organizing the event. “None of this would have been possible without the help from the whole staff. They really came through for the food, setup, and work to make the event happen. We have a wonderful staff here at this school,” Rodriguez shared. The agenda also included a helicopter exhibition from local pilots who awed the students with its take off and accelerated departure. Right next to the helicopter was the paramedic station, where students were able to look at the inside of the truck as well as the equipment that they use in their daily routine. “Excuse me, are you a photographer?” one particular student excitedly inquired, pointing at the large camera, “I love taking pictures! That's what I want to do when I grow up. Can I see a picture you took?” Attendees shared that Career Day at Colton Middle School did a great job of challenging students to think about their future and prepare them for the upcoming choices they will have to make to pursue those careers. The staff and organizers have no intention of stopping the Career Day at this year and look forward to continuing the tradition next year.