Partnering Education with Life Experience, Part II

Last Tuesday,  sophomore business students experienced the "real world" through Shadow Day, when they "shadowed" employees of a local business of their choosing.

The event, organized by the Bayport-Blue Point School-to-Business Partnership, is normally held two times a year. Last week's Shadow Day was the sixth in three years. Read about the Shadow Day held for juniors in December 2010. 

High school Principal Dr. Timothy Hearney, who is involved with the planning of Shadow Day, said a few businesses were added this year. He noted that the Partnership fosters a connection between the school district and community. He encouraged students to enjoy the experience and ask questions.

"This day provides you guys with an opportunity to see what career path you may want to follow," he said. "If you have an idea of what you want to do it helps the college process." 

Business teacher Doug Monsell emphasized the importance of this day for the students. "They're getting outside of the building to see people working for a real business," he said.

The morning of the event the participating students gathered in the high school auditorium for a pre-Shadow Day pep talk from Monsell. He reminded students they represent the school when they're out at the job.

Claudia Soldano chose to work at the Suffolk County Police Department's Fifth Precinct, located in Patchogue. The sophomore was looking forward to observing the everyday life of a Suffolk County police officer. "I know a lot of cops, I wanted to try it out," she said.

Being a veterinarian is a profession that intrigues Alex Gamcsik, who chose to shadow employees of Family Pet Clinic in Bayport. Gamcsik and his family have several cats and birds. "I like taking care of them (my pets)," he said, "So I'd like to see how vets work and what they do."

Though students interact with teachers on a daily basis, observing one to determine if it may be a career choice allows sophomore Grant Allegue to view educators from a different perspective. He chose to shadow staff of. "I'd like to be able to help kids learn, I think teaching is an option for me," Allegue said. "I'm not sure if I definitely want to do elementary ed yet though."

If the students weren't sold on the professions they chose to research on Shadow Day, at least they now have an idea of what they don't want to do. Those who enjoyed their experience can further investigate what they liked about the job and how to succeed in that field.