Sixth-graders at Twin Valley Middle School (TVMS) were given an opportunity to learn about future careers from Twin Valley High School (TVHS) students who visited the school on April 30 to talk about "Exploring Careers Through Internship."
In addition to sharing about their internships, the high-schoolers discussed the courses that they took and the clubs that they joined - all part of an effort to prepare for their transition into the workplace.
"The sponsors of the high school intern program partner with the sixth-grade teachers at the middle school to bring a group of interns to share their experiences as interns with careers in the area," explained Lynn Aldredge, TVMS sixth-grade language arts teacher. "It is very cool, and the students at both levels enjoy the interaction."
The program was held in three afternoon sessions, and the TVMS students rotated among the sixth-grade classrooms at TVMS to hear the guest speakers. Each session included a slide presentation and an opportunity for the students to ask questions of the high-schoolers. The industries represented ranged from engineering and business to astronomy and education.
Kelly Miller, a TVHS senior, talked about her internship with Judge John Hipple in Pottstown, during which she completed filing and paperwork and observed several court cases. "There was a lot of listening involved in this internship," she said. "I liked going to the hearings because it was interesting to hear both sides of the story." She said that she was able to witness a range of legal cases in civil court, traffic court and criminal court.
Kelly told the students that the internship program will be beneficial to them when they decide what career path they are interested in. "Not every school offers an internship program, so you should take advantage of it. It is hands-on learning," she stated.
TVHS seniors Hailey Taylor and Jessee Klunk, who aspire to become veterinarians, were on hand to talk about their experiences working as interns for several local vets. They were accompanied by Hailey's dogs, Remi and Stella.
"As an intern, they want you to ask a lot of questions and make sure you understand everything," said Hailey, noting that she provided assistance to the vets during her internship and observed surgeries. "I got hands-on experience and got to work with animals every day."
Jessee told the middle-schoolers that the high school offers animal science and veterinary science classes, which are helpful to those who want to work with animals. "We have a lot of vet clinics around us who are always interested in (hosting) interns, and there are also a lot of animal shelters," she said, adding that FFA is another club that is helpful to students interested in animals.
Jessee plans to attend West Virginia University to study animal science, and Hailey will attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania to major in biology.
Brieanna Blair, who completed her internship at Kurtz Fish Hatchery in Elverson, was on hand to talk about her interest in becoming a marine biologist. "I want to work with turtles, dolphins, fish and (other sea life)," she said, noting obtaining a diving license will be part of her job requirements. She also suggested FFA as a good club for those interested in studying animals.
Other speakers included: Sarah Diamond and John Wodnick, engineering; Hailey Dynesko and Amanda Peszek, medical; Hannah Slye and Matt Peters, photography/videography; Grace Brenek, astronomy; Jon Hergart, pilot; and Devon Latchum, education.
Aldredge said the event was designed to encourage students to take part in the internship program. "Career readiness education is mandated by the state (Act 339), and this is one way we are bringing this learning to our students," she stated. "It is also a great PR activity to feed the intern program at our high school."
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