MONROE, NC – On Friday, March 18, Walter Bickett Elementary hosted their Third Annual Career Day.  Thirty professionals attended and shared their careers and fields with approximately 525 students.  Pre-K through 5th-grade students got to ask professionals questions about their jobs and how they got there.  Many of the professionals brought examples, tools, or gear to share with the students.  This hands-on, direct approach was overwhelmingly loved by the kids as they learned that you have to “Dream Big and Work Hard.”

The day started with a presentation from the 5th-grade class before an introduction from Principal Dr. E. Daniels. Next, Nurse Ilene Jackowitz announced the “What I Want to be When I Grow Up” essay contest winners: Marite Bautista (Ms. Nixon’s class) wants to be a firefighter, and Jeremy Saltos (Ms. Brown’s class) wants to be an architect.  The presenters were then introduced and sent to stations around the school inside and out.

The children were able to get up close and personal with the professionals on hand.  The Monroe Fire Department brought a fire truck and explained the equipment to the kids.  The FBI showed them how to dust for prints while Project 2 Heal from Waxhaw brought in puppies from one of their litters.  A UNC team brought the moon rover they collaborated with NASA on while another one brought a race car.  All of these things really helped reinforce the mantra the kids had recited earlier, “I believe in me.  I will never give up on me.  I can do anything, anytime, anywhere.  I will shoot for the stars and beyond.”

One of the highlights of the day was when the Atrium Med Air Helicopter landed at the school and the kids were able to watch and take a photo with the helicopter.  The day really would not have been possible without the professionals who took the time to speak and share with the kids, so Walter Bickett Elementary would like to thank everyone who attended.

Jackowitz, who helped bring the Career Day to life, shared that at the end of the day, she was able to sit back and see the careers and excitement through the eyes of the children.  “They didn’t know some of these careers existed. Hopefully, they will fight for their own dreams!”