Curious BOCES 2 high school students took turns speaking with helpful representatives from a number of local businesses at the Exceptional Children Career Day. As they met each visitor and asked questions, students learned about potential career paths in health services, auto repair, precision machining, food services and facility operations.
Visitor Yahzmin Little, from Lifetime Assistance, particularly enjoyed the experience of speaking with BOCES 2 students. Little, a 2016 Alternative High School graduate, explained that she now works with older adults in a group home, encouraging them to participate and get out into the world. She told students her job requires patience and caring, but that helping people is extremely rewarding.
Jimmy Zisovski, the owner of Brockport restaurant Jimmy Z’s, was asked what the best part of his job is. He shared that it is seeing how enthusiastic people are about eating at his restaurant. He told students that he likes hosting fundraisers, knowing that he is helping to support good causes in his community.
BOCES’ own Scott Mason of the Operations and Maintenance department, was impressed with the interest and politeness all the students showed to visitors. Also on hand were representatives from East Avenue Auto and Precise Tool & Manufacturing. Experts from the BOCES 2 Center for Workforce Development (CWD) spoke to students about their GPS Services, which can provide career mentors, financial incentives and assistance to eligible youth.
Students came away with lots of ideas and positive energy. AHS student Marquis Boga said that Career Day "gave me confidence and hope for opportunities available to me in the future."
Participating students were from Alternative High School (AHS), the Therapeutic Day Program (TDP) and our Communication and Social Skills (CaSS) classes. Many are specializing in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) areas of study. The BOCES 2 Exceptional Children’s first formal Career Day was coordinated by STEM Transition Specialist Toria Frank and AHS Transition Specialist Karrie Freeman.