Career Day makes a strong comeback
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

Presenters come to Moorpark High School's annual Career Day to talk about their work and provide insight to students exploring career options. The experience may even help some students realize why they're going to school, said college and career advisor Diana Prickett, who's working extra hard to organize this year's event..

Last year's Career Day was cancelled due to lack of presenter participation, she said. About 70 presenters are needed to serve the 2,500 students that attend the local high school.

People representing all professions and trades are invited to take part in the event, scheduled for 9 to 11 a.m. Thurs., Nov. 15.

Participants will be stationed in different classrooms on campus, where they will make two 30minute presentations describing what their job is all about. The sessions include a 10-minute question and answer period.

The presentations are intended to give students information about the prospects and requirements of various jobs before they decide to pursue a certain field, Prickett said. Presenters should discuss the benefits and challenges of their work in a realistic manner to help pupils gain a true understanding of the profession, she said.

Students in all grades will select four different classes to visit based on their vocational interests.

"Some kids don't realize that many opportunities are available to them," Prickett said.

For example, a few years ago a student who didn't know what to do after high school decided to attend a session offered by the fire department. The presentation led to his becoming an awardwinning firefighter in Fresno, according to Prickett.

In addition to seeking doctors, law enforcement representatives and lawyers, the advisor said, she also seeks presenters from trades that don't require a college degree.

"Kids should know there are other options besides college. They don't have to work at a fastfood place to support their family if they don't want to," she said, encouraging beauticians, auto mechanics, carpenters, plumbers, electricians and roofers to sign up for Career Day.

Professions in the movie industry are also popular, said Prickett, who invites local producers, writers, makeup artists and costume designers to join the effort.

"There are thousands of things out there that the kids may be interested in," she said.

Parents, as well as those who don't have children, are invited to participate.

The experience is rewarding for both, said Moorpark attorney Larry Green, who enjoys sharing his success story at Career Day.

Green was the first one in his immediate family to attend college and law school. When he was in high school, he didn't know anyone who'd gone to law school, and he was uncertain as to whether or not he had the necessary skills and abilities to succeed there and as an attorney, Green said.

That didn't stop him from working hard to achieve his goal. He attended college and university classes at night while he worked as a house painter during the day to support himself and his studies.

As the managing partner of a successful local law firm, Green now participates in Career Day to inspire young people who want to pursue a career in law.

Anyone interested in making a presentation at Career Day may call Prickett at (805) 517-2105 or e-mail her at dprickett@mrpk.org. The deadline for speakers to sign up is Fri., Oct. 26.

Presenters will check in between 8:45 and 9 a.m. Lunch will be served after the event, giving speakers an opportunity to discuss the sessions.