TULALIP — Marysville Getchell High School junior Logan Limon had a specific question in mind on Tuesday morning while attending a district-wide college, career and work fair.
He asked Bob DeFever, a doctor at Marysville Chiropractic, how many years he studied to become a chiropractor.
“My uncle was a chiropractor, and it interested me to find out what (DeFever) had to go through, school-wise,” said Logan, 16. “I learned he had to go through about seven years of school.”
Limon was one of about 1,000 high school juniors who attended Opportunity Expo 2012 at the Tulalip Resort and Casino. The Marysville Rotary, Tulalip Tribes and Marysville School District partnered to organize and host the event which was open during the school day to juniors enrolled in the district’s eight high schools. An evening session was held for all students and parents.
More than 150 representatives from two and four-year colleges, tech and trade schools, trade unions, local businesses, military and community service organizations answered questions and provided information to students at tables set up in the Orca Ballroom and Chinook rooms.
On Tuesday morning, Marysville Arts and Technology students Kelly Mui and Tianna Akin looked over some of the papers and pamphlets of information they received.
Mui, 17, said she might be interested in working an after-school job with the YMCA after stopping by the organization’s booth.
“I found the YMCA was interesting,” she said. “I like working with kids.”
Akin, 16, flipped through the pages of a Washington Trails Association magazine. Being a trail restoration volunteer sounded like fun to her.
“I’m a really outdoorsy person and I think it would cool to go keep the trails clean so hikers can enjoy the outdoors,” she said.
Heritage High School student Joseph Perry visited several booths with friends. The event was helping him consider future career options, he said. Joining the Marines or working for a fire department both sounded like possible career paths to him.
“I like an adrenaline rush,” said Perry, 19.
The Expo was organized so students know what kind of opportunities are available after they finish high school, said Jodi Runyon, executive assistant to the superintendent. The event was the first of its kind for students in the district.
“In all my years in the district and as a parent I’ve never seen anything of this magnitude put together to support our students,” Runyon said.
Kylie McGavran, 17, a Marysville Pilchuck junior, visited the Snohomish County WorkSource booth before the end of the morning session. She received some tips on organizing her resume from employment specialist Tammy VanProyen. The Expo overall was helpful and fun, she said.
“I’ve learned about different colleges and programs and a lot about volunteering which is good because I need volunteer hours,” she said.
Before leaving the Expo, Limon said he’s still interested in becoming a chiropractor one day. He’s also thinking about applying to Central Washington University and he might interview for a part-time job at Ralph Lauren.
“It’s all very interesting,” he said. “(The Expo) is nice for juniors to do to think about their future.”
Amy Daybert: 425-339-3491; adaybert@heraldnet.com.
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