Career Recall 2004

Upward Bound students had the chance to learn what jobs are really like, thanks to professionals who volunteered to speak at the UB Career Recall February 21.

“I learned what classes will benefit me in college and in high school for this career and the skills/personality you have to have in this profession,” said Chauncey Souza. Chauncey is interested in a career in education. “I would like working with youth and making a difference in schools,” she said.

About 70 UBers spent the Saturday morning at UH Hilo learning about the world of work. There were speakers from pediatrics, nursing, contracting, law enforcement, EMT services, engineering, education, business, arts and law.

“I would like the part where I give people their medicine,” said Shirnel Enos, who listened to a nurse tell about her job. Shirnel thought the paperwork involved would be a little less enjoyable, though, and said, “I wouldn’t want to work night time (get ghosts).”

Something for the parents...

About 30 UB parents came as well to listen to workshops of their own. First they heard from a panel made up of parents whose children had graduated from UB.

“The personal testimony of parents who have gone through the program…and the questions their testimony generated was excellent,” said one parent.

In the second half of the day, Norm Stahl of UH Hilo Career Services spent time talking with the parents about career choices and the help his office offers students.

Seniors Randy Pagala (l), Kevin Brown (center), and Kevin's mother Minda Brown listen to college financial aid information.

And something for the seniors...

Seniors and their parents participated in a Financial Aid workshop for the day, rather than career workshops. The college-bound crew spent the first half of their day getting the basics of how financial aid works. After that, they spent some time filling out the actual financial aid forms online with assistance from UH Hilo Director of Financial Aid, Jeff Scofield.

Overall, the Career Fair day offered students the chance to see what working in various fields was really like.

Malia Jade Arce listened to Engineering. “I learned how much is involved in projects like making roads. You think, ‘oh, they just go pave ‘em,’ – not so!”

The experience also helped students decide if the jobs they were interested in would really be a good match for them.

David Carvalho said he is interested in the EMT/Police fields because “I want a job that is exciting and will help others and can give back to the community.” The only drawback? “I don’t like blood,” the sophomore said.

Jenny Ramos found that, “being a pediatrician is very challenging. I want to do something challenging!”

And Jennifer Ramelb said afterward she is still interested in being a nurse because now, “we know the ups, downs, disadvantages and advantages from the pros.”