GREENFIELD — Oak Avenue Elementary School students are looking to their future and recently had the chance to learn about different careers during the school’s annual Career Day visits.
The Nov. 7 Career Day was the fourth in the Oak Avenue Elementary School’s history, with past events teaming up with Earth Day or on the weekend. This year’s career speakers included a student from California State University Monterey Bay who is working on a master’s degree in psychology.
“We invite presenters to come into the classroom and they are provided with a schedule,” said Counselor Alejandro Lopez. “They present their career to the students, but more importantly, they share paths they’ve taken since they were in elementary school.”
Presenters spoke about someone who inspired them to pursue their current career or look into higher education.
Lopez combined the career presenters with one current college student to make up a variety of 34 presenters. The Greenfield Fire Department brought a fire engineer, a captain and a few firefighters along with a fire engine and fire truck to show the students the equipment they work with.
Officer Michael Rigby from the California Highway Patrol brought stickers and coloring books for the students and spoke about his experience in law enforcement. Greenfield Police Officer Joseph Dyels participated as well.
Students could learn about careers with the Monterey County Health Department, a park ranger, Dr. Mandy Jackson, a nurse from the Soledad Clinic and the newly elected Salinas Union High School Board Trustee Anthony Rocha.
“We had two ladies who work in the local Wells Fargo Bank come,” Lopez said. “It was pretty cool because they were able to engage with our little first graders.”
Greenfield Union School District Superintendent Zandra Galvan spoke to the students as well.
