Between the ages of 16 and 18, teens must make the decision that will map out their future. Choosing a career requires the student be accountable for their own decisions, responsible to look at their options, and wise in taking advantage of every opportunity.

Campus teachers and department chairs are urging students to keep their minds open to all opportunities. They are doing their part to introduce careers to the students through everyday assignments.

The math department is currently teaching the students money management skills. Although students will not discover their vocation, they will learn skills needed for life.

Josh Tosland’s students are busy organizing a budget while Ericlee Gilmore’s classes are managing their spending money. To read more about Tosland’s hands-on assignments, go to www.thefeather.com and see the “Math budget matters” article in the November paper.

Gilmore recently challenged his math A students by taking them to Fashion Fair mall in Fresno. Each duo was assigned an amount to spend and which specific items to purchase. They learned how to write checks and compute sales tax.

Sharon Scharf has also taken a step toward familiarizing careers to her students. On Oct. 22, Scharf took both home economics classes to Save Mart for a tour given by Sharon Blakely. Students had the opportunity to speak with the registered dietician, Blakely and other employees at the local supermarket.

“It was neat going behind the scenes of the grocery store,” Rebecca Wilson, ’06, said. “I never knew there were so many jobs related to home ec and food.”

To read more about the Save Mart trip, see the “Save Mart trip bridges classroom, real-life” article by staff writers Ryan Zuercher and Tim Gomez.

Robert Foshee’s civics classes have recently visited the county courthouse and will be visiting City Hall to sit in on a City Council meeting. Students have the chance to observe real-life cases and witness the work of the lawyers, judge, clerk, and bailiffs.

“I had considered becoming a lawyer,” Jenn Smit, ’03, said, “but now I’m looking at other options. It seemed a little boring to be doing the same thing everyday?especially if you’re a district attorney.”

Senora Foth’s Spanish III class is experiencing the Latin American culture through guest speakers and presentations. On Oct. 11, George Solis, campus painter, visited the class to speak of his childhood years in Guatemala. Foth plans to schedule more speakers that will help interest students to learn the Spanish language, and in doing so possibly pursue a career as a translator. To read more about Solis’ visit, see the “Central American native speaks to Spanish III” article.

With so many careers available, students need someone to aid them in deciding which career suits them better. Vice principal, Jon Endicott, encourages student to take advantage of his experience.

“Although it is the responsibility of the student to choose a major,” Endicott said, “I can answer any questions the student may have. Also, if the student would like to meet with a professional in the area they are interested, I am happy to arrange an interview session for the benefit of the student.”

An aptitude test, called the Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), helps students determine their vocation. If students feel they perform poorly on tests, they can look forward to the annual “Career Day” held in the spring. For more information on various careers, students can see Endicott in the office.