Over a course of four visits, seventh-grade students in Carolyn Douglas and Barbara Cellura’s classes at Cuyahoga Heights Middle School explored a variety of careers and began to understand the steps involved in choosing a career path.
Led by Julie Regula, Career Specialist from the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, students explored a variety of careers and began to understand the steps involved in choosing a future path. The unit kicked off with an introduction to the career development process. Students learned about its stages and why early exploration is important. They brainstormed careers they already knew and reflected on the people and experiences that have influenced them so far.
In another session, students met Tina Redcliff, Activities Director at Vista Springs, a facility that provides a wide range of care and services to senior citizens. Redcliff shared what it’s like to work with the elderly and how she uses creativity and compassion to keep her residents active and engaged.
Students also met with Chrissy Cogen from Metropolitan Veterinary Academy to talk about the roles of Veterinary Assistant, Vet Tech, and Veterinarian. Cogen explained the education required and potential salaries. Students interacted with "Jerry" the guinea pig, filled out sample intake forms, and even practiced bandaging a stuffed animal.
Another highlight was a series of hands-on career labs. Students followed blueprints to build structures, connected electrical circuits, reviewed x-rays, assembled anatomy aprons, practiced logistics, and tested their knowledge of sea life. After each activity, they evaluated their interest and matched their skills to possible careers.
In the final session, students learned about different types of work environments – active vs. sedentary jobs – and explored how these factors apply to various occupations involved in working with people, things, or animals.
“This unit was just the beginning of the students' career development journey,” explained Regula. “Each year, we will continue building on this foundation and guiding students toward creating a personalized career plan.”
