High School Students Attend Monthly "Lunch & Learn" Career Talks

Despite the myriad of different vocations, there have been some notable similarities and parallels between our speakers. Very few of our speakers followed a clear and direct path from high school into their current career, most were not exceptional students until they found their area of passion, and several are now excelling in an area that was vastly different from their college concentration. For example, our trauma surgeon received his undergraduate degree in English and Philosophy, our nurse began as a realtor, our designer studied psychology, and one of our entrepreneurs briefly attended film school. However, when each of our speakers eventually identified where they were meant to be, they all dived in with tenacious dedication, learning all they could from mentors and experts in the field. They also differentiated themselves from their peers because of their diverse educational backgrounds. Rather than being “behind” in their field, they were enriched by the circuitous route they took to find it. They each use what they learned in earlier positions to add value in their positions now. These stories serve as a powerful reminder to our students that it’s perfectly normal not to have life mapped by in high school and to keep an open mind as to what the future may hold.

 

These sessions have also affirmed the strength of classical education as our students look towards the future. Each of the young men and women at JHCA are receiving a well-rounded, in-depth, and comprehensive education that will propel them forward in whichever avenue they pursue. Given the likelihood that our students will explore a variety of career paths before settling on a career, their having a holistic education will set them up with the ability to adjust, learn, and excel more easily than students who specialized early. In the future, one may be an exceptionally well-read surgeon who can quote Dostoevsky, an investor who can still recite Robert Frost’s “Mending Wall,” or an ambassador who picks up languages quickly because of their strong Latin background.  

 

We are so grateful to the parents and the community members who have shared their stories with us so far and to those lined up to speak in the coming months. The messages being shared with our students during this pivotal and influential time in their lives are already sparking conversations, ideas, and enthusiasm for what lies ahead.  

Interested in sharing your career path story to our students? Email Mrs. Monica Vitale at mvitale@jhclassical.org