BHS Fair Helps Students Look Toward Future Careers

College, Trade and Career Fair Thursday proved to be an eye-opening experience for student Porcha Smith.

The senior knows she wants to pursue a degree in pre-med but she was concerned about taking her general education requirements at one school and then having to transfer to a medical school in order to attain the degree.

“I found out that at the college I want to go to I won’t have to transfer,” she said happily.

Smith, who is now considering Western Illinois University, was one of hundreds of students who got an up-close-and-personal look Thursday at what the future holds for them after they graduate from high school.

At the College, Trade and Career Fair were representatives from 13 two- and four-year colleges and universities, along with a wide variety of career and trade oriented organizations. All six branches of the Armed Services were also on hand.

“We wanted to be able to provide our students with as many post secondary options as possible,” said Alison Ondracek, one of the organizers of the fair.

Students were encouraged to dress in professionally-oriented clothing and were provided with a series of questions to ask fair representatives.

Many said they enjoyed the event.

“We got more in-depth information by talking to the people than just looking at the college websites,” said Bolingbrook High School junior Manstein Maslian.

“It gave us a good opportunity to see a whole bunch of schools, especially for those who might not get to take tours of colleges,” said senior Amber Terry, who is considering a nursing career.

Senior Osvaldo Cerdas is considering a degree in business. He said he may attend College of DuPage for his general education courses before transferring to another school.

“This (event) really helps people figure out what they want to do later,” he said.

Ondracek was pleased with the feedback she got from students in regards to Thursday’s event.

“To see these kids get excited and say, ‘Wow, I could do that,’ is the biggest thrill for me,” she said.