Career Fair At CAHS Motivates Students To Think About Their Future

The Charlotte Amalie High School Guidance and Counseling Department hosted its annual Career Fair on December 9, bringing together representatives from the community with the goal of broadening students’ perspectives on career choices. The theme for this year’s fair was, “The Joy of Work: Positive Approaches to Work, Career & Life!”

Vocational Guidance Counselor Alister Edwards opened the event by welcoming industry professionals and thanking them for helping the school fulfill its mission, which is “to educate and prepare students to become responsible, productive citizens and life-long learners who are able to function at optimal levels in institutions of higher learning, in careers, and in a global society,” Mr. Edwards and students recited.

The fair was held in the gymnasium and featured professionals from the fields of medicine, law, cosmetology, graphic design and more. The highlight of the day came around 9 a.m. when the owner of Caribbean Buzz Helicopters, Maria Rodriguez, flew in on her aircraft and landed on the field. With the assistance of the Virgin Islands National Guard, students had the opportunity to explore the chopper and speak with Ms. Rodriguez about aviation and her endeavors as a pilot. In addition, the Emergency Medical Services and the Fire Department, along with an ambulance and fire truck, were stationed outside.

Crime Scene Technician Debra Mahoney and Detective Maha Hamdan set up a hands-on station for students to learn how fingerprints are lifted from a crime scene. Ms. Mahoney said many students were interested in Forensics because of the popularity of crime scene investigation shows on television, but, she cautioned, it’s not as easy as it looks. “While a criminal justice degree helps a whole lot in Forensics, it’s the on-the-job training that really prepares you to be skilled in this field. It’s very technical and careful work,” she told the students.

The fair comprised three 45-minute sessions to allow all students and teachers the chance to attend. Participants at the beauty station demonstrated easy-to-do hairstyles on students, while other students received manicures and facials from the group. Several law enforcement agency professionals allowed students to try out their gear and graphic designer Luis Ible produced cartooned images of students.

Many students expressed their interest in developing skills in areas different from their main career goals in order to supplement income or simply to be multitalented. Sophomore Leah Macsheen revealed that she is exploring several different career paths. “I know that I want to be a dentist; however, I want to do photography and photo editing on the side,” she said. “It could start out as a hobby, but I know I can make money by selling my photos or doing photoshoots.”

Senior Rhea Benjamin approved of the event and shared her career goals. “I want to study sports management and work with a professional team,” she said. “All my life, I’ve played softball, volleyball and basketball. I definitely want to stay in sports, but talking to the different professionals here is helping me learn more about the small steps it will take to get there.”

The businesses and agencies participating in the career fair were Schneider Regional Medical Center, the Attorney General’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Water and Power Authority, Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting System, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Rock City Wellness, Mind/Body Health & Psychology, Virgin Islands Police Department and K9 unit, FirstBank, Caribbean Buzz Helicopters, Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, Emergency Medical Services, VI Department of Agriculture, VI Port Authority, VI Fire Services, Department of Education, Soul Creations, Shear Xtasy Hair Boutique, and G.E.A.R.S. Productions.

The remaining members of the Charlotte Amalie Guidance and Counseling Department are Onika Hodge Smith, department chair and 11^th grade counselor; Claudette Cross, 12^th grade counselor; Mildred Pesante, 10^th grade counselor; and Lorna Daniel, ninth grade counselor and event coordinator.