Question

Making the Most of Career Day

   
by Aleisha Williams, Sophomore, Guest Columnist

   
The Columbia High School Examiner

   
Vol. 12, Issue 26

   
1

  
        In American history class yesterday, one of the students indignantly demanded to know why we were once again going to be subjected to a Career Day at school. In his eyes, the whole day was nothing more than a waste of everyone's time — that of students, teachers, and presenters alike. Last year, I might have agreed with him, but this year I have changed my mind. Attending Career Day here at Columbia High School can be a valuable experience. I have a few pointers I would like to share about how to benefit the most from the experience.

   
2

  
        Last year, I considered Career Day to be only slightly interesting. As a ninth grader, I attended three workshops and listened to a doctor speak about his practice in dermatology, one of my teachers talk about the rewards of a teaching career, and an information technology expert explain the satisfaction of helping others with their computer problems. Since I'm not really interested in being a doctor or a teacher and have trouble doing more than the basics on the computer, my workshops were not well suited to me. This year I chose more wisely because I took the time to fill out a questionnaire about my interests that my counselor gave me. This helped me select more appropriate workshops for my traits, skills, and areas of interest.

   
3

  
        The questionnaire made me scrutinize myself. Since my future life as an employed adult has always seemed very remote, I had devoted no time to any sort of self-analysis, and I certainly had not thought about the characteristics required for different careers. When I responded to the questions, however, I was forced to take a good look at myself. One section of questions asked me to identify some of my own personal qualities. For instance, am I a "self-starter," or do I generally require exterior prodding to get in motion? Do I like to work with people or alone? Also, do I panic under pressure, or do I respond calmly? How is my hand-eye coordination?

   
4

  
        I learned some interesting information about myself. I am usually independent and, providing I understand an assignment, I start on it immediately. I definitely prefer working with people to working alone; I have always enjoyed group projects. When I was little, my sister got me a T-shirt that said, "Plays well with others." When faced with an emergency, like my little brother falling out of a tree, I begin to shake and perspire. I also have no sign of hand-eye coordination, so I can most certainly rule out a career as a surgeon. My friend Diego, however, has the nerves of a rock and reacts instantly in emergencies. He plans to be a paramedic, which makes perfect sense. I have ruled out all careers that demand physical skill, calmness in the face of danger, or working alone.

   
5

  
        Another section of questions made me consider what things are important to me. I recorded how I spend my time outside of school. I hang out with my friends, volunteer at the senior citizens' center, tutor younger students who have trouble reading, spend time talking to the neighbors, and earn money by babysitting. I listed my favorite books and movies and then checked to see if they had anything in common. I was startled to see that they did: almost all of them were about people facing real-life problems. That fit with one of my personal characteristics: people, even virtual strangers, tell me their problems. When a friend is upset, I am the first person called. Clearly, the questionnaire indicated, I am suited to one of the "helping" professions. When I inspected the list of speakers for this year's Career Day, I chose a psychologist, a school counselor, and a social service worker. My friend Mariana, who also discovered that she is suited for a helping profession but is (unlike me) very athletic and well coordinated, is going to hear a physical therapist speak.

   

   


Which inference about the author's point of view is best supported by the passage?

A.
Reflection is important in choosing a career.

B.
Learning how to use technology helps with a career.

C.
Students should choose a career in tenth grade.

D.
Exploring careers is a waste of time in ninth grade.

Answer 1

A. Reflection is important in choosing a career.

The author emphasizes how the questionnaire forced self-analysis, helped identify strengths/interests, and led to better workshop choices—supporting the idea that reflection matters when selecting a career.