Students learn about careers with Groundhog Job Shadow

Kara Wilson (right) from Hirschi High School explores photography techniques and newspaper planning while shadowing 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs Staff Sgt. Vernon Cunningham during the annual Groundhog Job Shadow event. More than 30 students from North Texas high schools shadowed military and civilian Airmen to learn more about future careers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Debi Smith)

Students learn about careers with Groundhog Job Shadow

Published Feb. 12, 2009
By Debi Smith
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Throughout 11 counties in North Texas, students spent a day shadowing firefighters, veterinarians, mechanics, doctors, architects, teachers and government employees as part of the 13th Annual Groundhog Job Shadowing Day on Feb 5.

The annual career day event matched 725 students from 29 high schools to their career field choice. Sheppard hosted 36 students from 14 area high schools, some traveling as far as 70 miles away for the opportunity.

"Groundhog Job Shadowing Day provides a unique opportunity to make the world of work come alive for young people," said Romona Vaughan, North Texas Tech Prep Consortium Director. "Students get to see how academic and technical skills are applied in the workplace and are inspired and motivated by successful adults."

Senior Airman Ray'yuri Powell, a computer programmer, mentored William Keen, a student from Saint Jo, Texas. Airman Powell emphasized the positive of sharing the career field with students, saying he would "definitely do it again."

Hirschi High School student Isaian Holmes, interested in accounting, said "he really learned a lot and really enjoyed the experience" by shadowing Tech. Sgt. Leonard Norris in the logistics career field.

Kara Wilson, Hirschi High School, requested Public Affairs Photojournalism, shadowing Airman 1st Class Candy Miller and Staff Sgt. Vernon Cunningham.

"I should have done this last year and I definitely recommend (Groundhog Job Shadow) to all students at all schools," Ms. Wilson said. "I learned more than I thought. Everybody is going to have a future...this helps students know what they want to do when they get older."