Our spring Career Exploration Day was held in May. We welcomed over 100 professionals to our school, representing 80 career fields. Above, a group of students learned about careers related to emergency response and healthcare with a visit from Life Link's flight crew. A tremendous thank you to all the professionals who shared their time and expertise with our students
Twenty students interested in healthcare careers were able to attend a very special grant funded opportunity at Saint Paul College: Healthcare Sampler Day
Students were able to practice an intubation, explore the syndaver (a synthetic cadaver), conduct a simulated arthroscopic surgery, try out their stapling skills, and much more.
Year End Edition:
Highlighting Student Career Plans
Abby Leagjeld- Biomedical Engineering
"Through a combination of my experiences in AP science and math courses, my love of volunteering in high school, and discussions with biomedical engineers during Career Exploration Day, I decided to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering in hopes of using my love for STEM to help improve other's health. I now have multiple connections within the Biomedical Engineering community due to the professionals who have spent time sharing details of their career with me."
Abby greatly enjoys the challenge of the theoretical and the practical application of her design knowledge. At the end of the school year, our Engineering & Drafting II students paired with our Electricity II students to design and program robotic cards controlled by a cell phone. Although Abby and her partner's car did not win the "King of the Hill" competition, they learned a lot about challenges faced during the design/build process. Abby will be using her experiences this fall when she begins her Biomedical Engineering program at Michigan Technological University.
Daniel Mackowick- Computer Science
"As a career I would like to develop large scale competitive video games, and building my "battle bot" in Electricity and Electronics II has helped me establish this goal. I coded a joystick controller on my phone that provides full control over the movement of my car, and I got to really explore what kind of creative work can be done on an independent project. This year I also helped establish an eSports program at our high school, which can help others make connections, and do their own exploration of career interests."
Daniel discovered during his junior year that he had a passion for coding and video game design when he took C++, a computer language class. From that moment forward, Daniel worked hard to further is coding skills and prepare for a Computer Science program by taking PreCalc, AP Computer Science, and Electricity/Electronics classes. His efforts paid off! With significant scholarships, Daniel will be attending the University of Wisconsin Madison in the fall to pursue Computer Science and Engineering.
Jack Rowe - Plant Care
"I discovered that I am very interested in plant care by taking a variety of agriculture classes and through my work. My Career Launch internship at Green Value Nursery provided me the opportunity to learn many new skills utilized at large wholesale nurseries. I plan to continue to work at Green Value after graduation."
Jack has been busy developing many skills over the course of his senior year. In his college credit bearing Greenhouse Technology class, Jack learned about the necessary systems to effectively manage greenhouses. Through Career Launch Explore, Jack earned his OSHA 10 safety credential and further developed his employability skills. Now, through his Career Launch Experience (internship), Jack is mastering how to use an auto planting machine, transplanting, and mass planting to accommodate the planting of thousands of plants for wholesale shipment.
Tanner Meier - Chassis Assembler
"After taking a metals class last year, I discovered that I really enjoyed welding and manufacturing. This year, through my Career Launch Experience class, I learned even more at my Rosenbauer America internship. Rosenbauer manufacturs custom fire trucks. I've spent most of the year rotating around their departments. Once I graduate, I have accepted full time employment as a chassis assembler."
Tanner has been able to intern at Rosenbauer since November, by retaking Career Launch Experience each quarter. He found a natural fit for himself with the positive culture at Rosenbauer and the working environment. His work has purpose, which he is proud of. The varied experiences that Rosenbauer offered Tanner provided him just what he needed to better understand what career path was right for him.
Natalie Oestreich- Nursing
"Through my Nursing Assistant class at the high school, I was able to prepare for, take, and pass the Certified Nursing Assistant tests. As a result, I have been hired at Regions Hospital in their NICU department, making a lot more money than most of my friends. I know nursing is the right career for me because I love taking care of patients and the fast pace of a hospital environment is right for me."
Natalie discovered her love of nursing through her EMR and Nursing Assistant classes at school. She is one of 21 students who passed their CNA tests this year. She learned a lot about the career and lifestyle of nursing from our Nursing Assistant teacher, Jody Ryan. Natalie also greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn more from other perspectives by attending our nursing panels as part of Career Exploration Day. In the fall, Natalie will be attending Winona State University to pursue a B.S.N. in nursing.