Manor Middle School transformed into a bustling hub of aspiration and inspiration as it hosted its highly anticipated Career Day Thursday. The event brought together a diverse group of professionals from across the community, including colleges and a wide array of local professionals, such as lab technicians, photographers, nurses, truck drivers, city employees, cybersecurity specialists, real estate agents, dog groomers and trainers, visual and musical artists, and many more. The day was filled with excitement, learning, and eye-opening conversations about future possibilities as students set out on a career scavenger hunt inside the gym as well as outside the campus.
Kaylen, a student who was particularly drawn to the real estate and cosmetology stations, shared her newfound career aspirations, saying, “The more you work, the more money you can make. I realized that I can work hard and make people’s dreams come true. That is my career path. Something where I can make money and help people. If I can help people look good and own a house while making money, that’s a win for me.”
Danielle Tucker-Sheppard, a broker and owner of Always Here Properties, highlighted the immediate opportunities available to students in Texas, explaining, “A lot of them were surprised to hear that in Texas they can start that career once they graduate high school. Having that American dream when you can hand someone the keys to their own house, that feels amazing.”
The event was not only about exploring career options, but also about learning valuable life skills. Annaleise, another student, reflected on her experience at the nursing and EMT station: “The first station I tried out was with a nurse, and she showed me what it would be like to do CPR on a baby with a doll. I think that is an important skill to know even if you don’t want to be a nurse. Maybe I can take a course to be better prepared for life.”
Jai’den expressed his fascination with the photography and SWAT stations, illustrating the wide range of interests among the students: “I like the camera station and being able to try out a camera with the background and the lighting. It’s interesting to me now that I know that I can actually be creative and make money at the same time. I also like the idea of being able to become a SWAT team member and help people stay safe.”
Jerome McFadden from the City of Killeen Solid Waste Department shared his experiences with students curious about the logistics and rewards of municipal services. His enthusiasm for his work and the opportunity to educate the next generation on the importance of public works contributed to the day's theme of exploring diverse and meaningful career paths.
Mayra Acosta, a registered nurse and trauma coordinator, shared her experience: “I had a student ask me how to save someone’s life. It was impactful to see that they are concerned about helping others, especially their younger siblings.”
Dr. Jennifer Warren, the Principal of Manor Middle School, expressed pride in the event's success: “I am really excited about our event, the entire team at Manor has worked so hard to make sure our students have opportunities to come in and get exposure to the career opportunities available to them.”
The community’s involvement was key to the event's success, as highlighted by Angenet Wilkerson, Director of KISD Community Relations: “It’s exciting to see the community sharing and working with our students. These are game-changing moments that open a child’s mind to see the rich opportunities available to them here in their own backyard.”
The day was not just about the students but also about the presenters and organizers, who saw a bit of themselves in the eager faces before them. Ozioma Trimble, Manor Middle School Counselor, summed it up: “I’ve been looking forward to this event because one day, someone gave a similar opportunity to me.”
Understanding the impact of each career on the community and oneself was an underlying tone at each station. Bernard Mays, a dedicated teacher at Manor, took pride in his students' curiosity and thoughtful consideration of their future paths. "I’m really proud of my kids asking important questions like what the different jobs actually are, and how much money they can make, but how rewarding each job is," Mays reflected, highlighting the depth of the students' engagement with the day's presentations.
In addition to the diverse career paths showcased at Manor Middle School's Career Day, the "Free My City" station stood out as a beacon of creativity and community service. Mac, an enthusiastic student, was particularly moved. "The Free my City station was my favorite because I was able to meet a famous rapper who makes music but also serves our community," Mac said. He expressed a desire to channel his aspirations into becoming a family-friendly YouTuber, focusing on gaming while fostering kindness and positivity among his viewers. Portia Talley, representing the "Free My City" organization, shared insights into the non-profit's mission to mentor young people and guide them in using their musical talents to positively impact their community. "We talk to kids about intellectual property rights and copyrighting their music, how to build their brand, and at the end of our clinic, we get in the studio to record their song and be a part of a music video," Talley explained. Her passion for nurturing young talent and encouraging them to use their gifts for the greater good resonated deeply with the students. Levallois Hamilton, the driving force behind the song "Free My City," shared his journey from artist to community leader. His success story and the subsequent creation of a non-profit to support young creatives underscored the event's theme of giving back and making a difference through one's passions and talents.
The Career Day at Manor Middle School was a testament to the power of community, education, and inspiration.
By bringing together professionals from various fields and backgrounds, the event not only broadened the horizons of the students but also strengthened the bond between the school and the community, laying the groundwork for a future where every child feels empowered to pursue their dreams with confidence and purpose.
