62°
GREENBURGH, N.Y. Elmsford students put down the books Friday in favor of some real-life mentoring.
A number of working professionals, from a chiropractor to a banker to cops and firefighters, crowded into the cafeteria at Alexander Hamilton High School for career day.
There, students got one on one advice from the volunteers and some first-hand knowledge about what it takes to make it once they leave the high school halls.
Its a big world out there guys, Elmsford Detective Gianpaolo DiLisio told a small table of students. You can do anything you want. Now is the time to do it.
Students from grades seven through 12 sat quietly, huddled around lunch tables as the speakers moved around the room. Guests would spend 15 minutes at each table, answering questions and passing along their words of wisdom.
The two-hour event was part of the schools effort to better prepare students and make them college and career ready, middle school teacher and career day organizer, Elyse Tenzer said
We dont want to see them just go through school because they have to, Tenzer said. We want them to go to school with a purpose.
Eleventh-grader Anthony Graves said he wasnt sure what he wanted to do after high school but he was considering following in his fathers footsteps and pursuing a career as a firefighter.
He listened as members of the Fairview Fire Department spoke about their work and what it takes to become one of New Yorks bravest.
It was really interesting, Graves said. Im not sure yet but I think it may be something I want to do.
Others, like high school senior Jennifer Glen, said they knew exactly what they wanted to do when they leave Alexander Hamilton. And even though she is already planning a career path in medicine, Glen listened as a member of the United States Army talked about his work.
Its interesting because you get an idea of what to expect and a sense of whats out there, Glen said.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Greenburgh and receive free news updates.
