Seventy professionals from a wide variety of career fields visited Link to inspire and motive students to start thinking about their futures and what they need to be doing now to get there. The event, managed by volunteer Dr. Michele Scott, provided an “eye-opening” experience for Linkers, a glimpse of what the future might hold store for them!
Great speakers started Career Day in the morning. Shavar Jeffries, Esq., professor at Seton Hall University and member of the Newark School Board; Dr. Clement Price, noted historian (African American history); and Dr. Margaret Stevens, Urban Issues Institute, Essex County College, addressed students in meaningful ways. They spoke of their careers, their inspirations and encouraged students to take advantage of their educational opportunities and to make good personal decisions. Several Link students then shared their career aspirations with the student body and guests.
After the opening assembly, students met in small mentoring groups – by gender – to discuss goal setting, image, and attitude – the “soft skills” needed to succeed. The mentors were, again, professionals from many fields. Then each student had the opportunity to sit in on two panel discussions where guests shared information about their jobs, their career paths, their motivations in life and more. Panels included professionals from a range of fields – corporate management, non-profit management, law, public safety, education, the arts, sports, fitness and wellness, public service, architecture and construction, information technology, urban agriculture, and more!
At the end of event assembly, Frank Giantomassi, Esq. and Dr. Uche Akobundu, Passaic United Way, shared their journeys and advice with students. Lastly, actress/acting coach Stephanie McKenzie rallied students to strive for success. She urged students to get over their fears and remove their obstacles and “Just Do It!”
Our guests helped Link provide a unique opportunity for our students – to introduce students’ to a wide range of career possibilities, expose them to some wonderful professional role models, and to inspire them to work hard to achieve their dreams.
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