By Alexa Silva, Amaya Gonzalez and Madalynn Tagle Posted December 20, 2024
Students and guardians were encouraged to attend this fair night, which showcased all the possible places and careers they could pursue after high school in Nevada. Students could look at all these opportunities, ask questions, and even get ideas for future careers. This event helped many wondering and confused seniors.
Dominick Figueroa was glad his interest in engineering and science was shown on the career night, which gave him a chance to see what he could do after high school.
“I haven’t looked around but the places that had technology and science and were cool I’m interested in that and engineering,” said Figueroa.
Figueroa was one of many students who got ideas for his future. Jacqueline Ojendiz also found that the career she was interested in was shown at the fair, and there were available college courses for her career.
“I’m interested in nursing and saw that there are programs in a few colleges,” said Ojendiz. “I would also be interested in cosmetology school.”
The career center coordinator, Ms. Kelley Griggs, explains why she believes a night like this should be hosted.
“I think it is very important that kids get a direction and some ideas to what they want to do because maybe they’re not sure what they want to do and this is a good opportunity for them to ask questions,” said Ms. Griggs. “I think the students got a lot of ideas and it really helped for the undecided seniors.”
Not only did she believe this to be a successful event but she also wanted to add more to it for future college and career nights.
“We had 70 vendors at the event but I hope we get to have more locally owned businesses come next year for the students who want to stay here,” said Griggs
Ms. Jessica Mayo, who also helped set up this career night, thinks it is important for students to explore what they might want to do after high school, especially juniors and seniors.
“I just think it is very important for students to explore different career options or college options, especially juniors and seniors because they are almost graduating high school and they are gonna move on and live in the world, so I think it is very important for them to explore and ask questions,” said Mayo.
Students had the chance to visit many vendors and talk to them about their showings. One of the vendors offered a presentation about the Army. Sergeant Archuleta told students about the various careers offered in the army and explained many of the benefits of joining. He believes the Army is not for everyone, but it is a great opportunity.
“I think that it’s not for everyone but it definitely is beneficial to everyone, it’s their own decision,” said Sergeant Archuleta. “I’m not here to make that for you I’m just here to give you all the opportunities but if you can name a college that will pay you for your training, wage, and education that is a good option then cool but the army is here for that too and we have over 150 options.”
Elizabeth Diaz, a representative for Nevada HECLA minings, was happy to see the students interested in this career and believed they would be good additions to the job.
“I’m very happy to see all the students interested,” said Diaz. “They all seem to be wonderful employees and very friendly and I think any of them would be great additions to this mine.”
He believes that to be a part of the army you have to be committed while also having a good attitude.
“If you are willing to endure some hard ethics, then this is for you,” said Sergeant Archuleta. “If you also have a good attitude and are hard-working, then the army is a place you should be.”
Another vendor was Stephani Price, representing the University of Reno, Nevada. She gave students an idea of what one has to meet to be a part of the university.
“This is a top-tier college where Lowry students get instate tuition, and there are 150 degrees to choose from,” said Price. “So, if students are looking to go to a four-year college, they should look at Nevada. They have to have a 3.0, and we offer scholarships based on their ACT and SAT scores, so definitely come visit.”
Students were able to ask her questions and learn more about the college. The career night included a lot of information, but some students discussed how they wished more would be included for the following years. Danica Colman and Kalani Arriola spoke about what aspects they liked and disliked about the Career Night. Ariola explains how she is looking for a college that includes cosmetology since it is something she has been interested in since she was a child.
“Ever since I was little I always did my hair and my mom likes dressing me up so I’ve always found an interest in cosmetology,” said Arriola. “I’m a little disappointed we didn’t have as many cosmetology programs so I’m hoping that for the following years, the school offers more options.”
Colman has the same concerns as Arriola regarding the lack of representation for less common careers.
“I was looking for cosmetology but there aren’t many options,” said Colman. “I was able to find culinary stuff.”
Senior Neveah Jackson is interested in business and finance and is searching for a school that includes these degrees.
“I’m looking for a school that has to do with business or finance,” said Jackson. “I want to major in science and finance and be a financial analyst. The UNLV ambassador interested me because she gave me a lot of information about the school that I want to go to and gave me her email if I had questions or troubles.”
