Mantua – It’s lunchtime on a Thursday, and just like any other weekday, you find Crestwood Intermediate students filing in with their packed lunched, or lining up to buy tacos, that day’s special. But instead of the usual lunchtime banter among the fifth graders, in walks 20-year-old US Airman First Class Devon McDivitt, of the Air National Guard, ready to share his story.
McDivitt is just one of the list of special visitors to CIS as a part of the school’s Career Café program, which was based on a program highlighted at the All Ohio Counselor’s Conference that CIS Counselor Emily Smith attended. Smith loved the idea of having someone in a profession come to school to explain their job to students. “We started the program in October and have had one each month through the end of the year. We have had a huge range of careers, including a software developer, account manager, respiratory therapist, veterinarian, and librarian.” Smith noted that all of the presenters either have a student at Crestwood or have a connection to Crestwood. For example, Airman McDivitt is the son of Crestwood’s Treasurer Deb Armbruster. So far, he has served two years of a six-year commitment. He also shared that in the service, he got to choose the job he wanted, as a cyber transport specialist.
“I’m a computer geek — my job is to stop hackers, and I love to do it!” When asked by teacher Jo Walsh-Cobb whether he still used any of the things he learned in the third grade, McDivitt shared, “Math is very important as a cyber guy.” He added. “Reading is super important, too, since I need to read lots of manuals to figure out how to do certain things. And I still have to take tests each week or month.”
His last comments garnered good-natured groans from students, but made a valid point. Smith explained, “The Career Cafe motivates kids to do better in school because they see the connection in what they’re learning and how it’s used in potential careers.” McDivitt shared the variety of careers available in the military — from teachers to veterinarians, firefighters, pilots, mechanics, lawyers, and chefs. “You can do all sorts of things,” he explained. He shared how his goals of integrity first, service before self, and excellence are worthwhile goals for kids, too. He encouraged them to try hard to do the right thing, and to always try their best in everything.
McDivitt explained his desire to serve his country as part of the military and have the opportunity to travel, he also shared the added benefit that his service entitles him to on-the-job training and pays for his college education. Not surprisingly, McDivitt’s presentation prompted many questions from students. Some wanted to know what it’s like to be in the air (super cool), and if he ever rappelled out of a helicopter (super-cool, and over before you know it). Another student admitted he’s wanted to be in the air Air Force “for a long time” and wants to be a marine biologist. When McDivitt explained that the military could help him get there, he beamed proudly before shaking McDivitt’s hand.
“Students are really excited to come to the Career Café,” Smith explained. “They always have tons of questions.” The program exposes them to jobs they aren’t always aware of, and lets them see that no matter where they come from, they can be whatever they want to be.” CIS Principal Michelle Gerbrick agreed, sharing, “Career exploration is so important, it helps kids can see different pathways and helps start conversations.”
And second through fifth grade students aren’t the only ones to benefit from this unusual opportunity in career exploration. Crestwood Middle School Counselor Lynne Morrison shared, “I started the Career Cafe after hearing about what Emily was doing at CIS. I have gotten positive feedback from staff, students, parents, and presenters.” Morrison noted that the program began in December at CMS and takes place once a month. She noted that presenters have included a fraud investigator, a physical therapist, a graphic/web designer, a registered nurse from the Veterans’ Administration, and a fire and explosions investigator. “The adults are appreciative of the exposure we are giving the kids to different careers,” she noted. “Students are now approaching me to have their own parents come as presenters,” Morrison marveled. “It is definitely gaining momentum.”
