How could I have forgotten my high school years?

Recently, I was invited to attend a mock interview session and job fair at a local high school. Several of the students in attendance were from my old high school. After speaking with these students I remembered my days in high school and the decisions I made that changed my entire course of life.

How could I have forgotten that my high school years were just like theirs? That I was, at one point, just some intercity kid working two part-time jobs for 40 hours a week? How could I forget the struggle of attending high school while taking classes at two different colleges? Yet, despite the hours I spent in class and working multiple jobs, I still managed to participate in school activities and clubs. 

Then I was reminded of all of the inspirational mentors that I had in high school and my school activities as well as my dedicated managers at work. In my life, I have been blessed with numerous skilled and motivational people that helped me reach my dreams and to become the woman I am today. These students just needed the same type of mentors, guidance, and respect that I had received to help them achieve a better life. When I attended these events I loved seeing these energetic instructors motivating their students to achieve their dreams. To me, these kids are so inspiring, to witness them overcome obstacles and taking steps to ensure that they are prepared for life after high school.

Over the years I have attended a countless number of job and career fairs at local high schools, and middle schools in both Kansas and Missouri, no doubt this number will continue to increase over the years. As I have begun speaking with students on options for jobs in healthcare I have also helped them by conducting mock interview experience. Preparing them for successful interviews for their first job after high school. 

Sometimes, to help students that aren't sure about their career path after high school we speak to classes about the Introduction to Healthcare. When speaking to students I inform them about jobs and careers that we have in a hospital setting. If I can introduce a passionate student to a job involving aiding others then I’ve done my job by passing on a sample of the guidance that I have received in my life to theirs.

Some of these students have a powerful drive to get to the next chapter in their lives. It’s wonderful to know that kids have so many job opportunities available to them that weren’t available when I was their age.

High School has evolved so much over the past 20 years. Today schools actively try to create career paths for students to help them succeed out in the real world. We as mentors have to ensure that we help provide ideas and guidance to students during the frightening transition to adulthood.

Not everyone is able to attend a two or four-year college, whether its because of their life circumstances or because they lack the desire to attend college at all. However by showing students the many options they have which can help them achieve their dream job or desired education. By introducing students to jobs that exist for them after high school they’re given the motivation to want more than what they have, to work harder for not only a better job but a better education. It’s not history that defines who a person is and always will be. It’s what's done with the opportunities we are given to achieve a better future.