Easton Students Explore Career Options at Engaging Fair

Young students in Easton, Pennsylvania, engaged with a variety of professionals during a career fair held at Shawnee Elementary School on October 19, 2023. The event, organized by Lisa Simon, a gifted-education teacher, featured over 40 local experts who shared insights about their careers.

The diverse lineup included a pilot, a doctor, a therapist, engineers, and technical workers from a cement plant. Each professional set up displays and brought props to help illustrate their work, providing the students with a tangible understanding of various fields.

Students eagerly approached the tables, asking questions such as, “Do you work during the day or at night?” and “Do you need to go to college to do your job?” Responses varied, but the consensus emphasized the importance of education for future career paths.

One notable exhibit featured environmental education experts from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, showcasing fur pelts, turtle shells, and feathers, which attracted a constant stream of curious students. In contrast, the table dedicated to blogging and journalism, where I participated, offered items like screen-cleaning microfiber cloths and Post-it pads. While these items garnered some interest, they could not compete with the allure of the natural specimens.

Among the presenters was Maya Turner, a former Shawnee student who has recently embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. Maya, alongside her sister Arita, started a business called Slime and Shine, creating and selling slime as party favors. “My dream was always to make slime,” Maya stated, explaining the simple ingredients required, including glitter glue and an “activator” for the gooey product. The sisters showcased their creations at Belleville Market in Easton, bringing a unique entrepreneurial perspective to the event.

According to Lisa Simon, the purpose of the fair was to inspire students to envision their futures and recognize the myriad possibilities available to them. “We want them to begin understanding what awaits them,” she remarked.

The event highlighted the commitment of local professionals to invest time in nurturing the next generation. As Maya noted, “They are bright young girls who believe in the benefits of slime play on the psyche,” showcasing how early entrepreneurial experiences can shape future aspirations.

Engaging with students not only allows professionals to give back to the community but also helps instill a sense of purpose in young minds. As the day progressed, it was clear that such interactions are vital for encouraging children to think critically about their future careers.

The career fair at Shawnee Elementary School served as a reminder that fostering the ambitions of young people is a shared responsibility. With the world continually evolving, preparing them for the future has never been more important.