20 Minutes...What Would You Say?

You're on a stage, eyes watching & ears listening....GO!

Yesterday, four FurtherEders went to the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School for a career day. David C, Malcolm, Jeff, and Trisha each had three different classrooms to speak in front of for 20 minutes each.

Malcolm, Jeff, Trish, & David

 David C
- My first impression was that the kids who volunteered to run the event, including escorting the speakers around, answering questions and providing feedback on their school experience, were extremely professional. They, rightfully so, were very proud of their involvement and in certain instances, literally wore their school pride on their sleeves.
In my first class, I allowed them to voluntarily get involved - this strategy lead to a divided class where interested parties participated and others did not. Later on, I identified those that were drifting, got them forcefully engaged and managed to proactively adjust their approach.  Upon sharing some complex concepts for career and personal molding, to see children digest, react and respond with thoughtful, insightful questions was a great sign that the message was getting through and perhaps leaving an imprint.

Malcolm
-  I provided them with a breakdown of the sales position, and what I do each day. I spoke to them then about the importance of college, and identifying a career path that the students were passionate about. There were three different classes that I presented in front of, and overall they were engaged and interested. I came away with a very positive experience. I was able to speak with a few students one-on-one about different aspects of business. They were genuinely interested in my experience and the career path I chose. It was great to be able to speak to kids who are from varying backgrounds.

Trisha
- My first classroom was a English classroom where I did my trial and error speech about myself and our company. The students, teacher and teachers assistant asked several questions which was really nice and helpful for me, since I was losing my voice for talking for 20 minutes non stop. The second classroom I was escorted to was a class of sophomores who where preparing for college. I gave my little speech and then the questions came flying in about everything under the sun. Some questions where about what is the interview process and how long does it all take, what did I find most challenging about college, can I switch majors, how many interns do we accept, what are the qualifications to internships and many more questions. My last classroom I was escorted to was known as the trouble room but I felt I did the most influence to because they asked questions through out my entire talk and I didn't even get to say everything I wanted because they wanted to know what really happens outside of high school. I am glad that I was able to part that knowledge to the students at this school and hopefully they will not make the same mistakes I did.

Jeff F
- I thought it was an amazing experience and I fealt like I did make a difference, especially with my first and third classes.  There were young people that truly did want to gain some knowledge and perspective from what we had to say and I know they were invested by the ones taking notes.  The teachers were over the moon that we were there to help out and they showered us with praise and thanks for taking the time to speak to their kids.  A lot of them don't have many adult role models so it was nice to do our best to impart some wisdom on the youth of America.

A proud reminder of their time given to the youths of NYC.