Judge Nelson-Floyd from Cleveland, Ohio delivered the keynote address
By Adabel Martinez
Battling Bulletin Student Writer
The 26th Annual Career Day at the Glen Mills Schools was an event that educated and inspired the student body as they had a chance to explore a wide variety of potential careers and educational opportunities.
Judge Alison L. Nelson-Floyd, who has visited the campus in the past, was the day’s keynote speaker. The honorable judge from Cleveland, Ohio shared her experiences with the students, conveying her thoughts and ideas for becoming successful. Her years serving in the juvenile judicial system have helped her to reach out and touch the minds of young learners. Judge Nelson-Floyd, who told the audience how she knew from the age of 15 that she wanted to become a lawyer, gave some great advice to the students.
“You have to have a purpose to be happy in your career,” said Judge Nelson-Floyd.
Judge Nelson-Floyd explained that wanting more isn’t always necessarily the only way to go. The old saying that “the grass is always greener on the other side” doesn’t always apply. If the job that you’ve chosen is fulfilling and makes you feel purposeful, then there is nothing wrong with making that your chosen career.
“Know what you have,” Judge Nelson-Floyd, who also expressed her appreciation to the Career Day guests, said.
Almost 80 companies, businesses, and schools participated in the event. Various places of commerce, ranging from individually owned operations such as Laurence Taylor Automotive Repair to nationally recognized companies such as Best Buy, Nationwide Insurance, and others met with students.
As the representatives spoke with the students, they shared information about their companies and corporations, but also shared the wisdom that comes from hard work and determination.
Students also enjoyed fresh popped popcorn and funnel cakes during Career Day.
Taylor, who along with fellow Career Day guest Larry Herbert from Any Point Limos, is a former student here at Glen Mills and was happy to come back and share his keys to success with current students.
“It’s great to come back and meet with the students and let them know that if I can do it, they can as well,” Taylor said.
The guests enjoyed the day as much as the students.
“It’s a great event and we’re really having a good time meeting with the kids,” Jen Strobel, a Human Resources Manager from Flagger Force, a traffic control services company, said.
Robert H. Paul from the Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 19, echoed Strobel’s sentiments.
“This is our third year, and it’s thrilling,” an enthusiastic Paul said.
In a separate part of Career Day, long time guests NFL Films presented entertaining videos from the NFL and explained the detailed process that goes into a production.
Students found the event, presented by the Career and Technical Education Department, enjoyable and educational.
“It was nice to be able to walk around and meet a lot of different people and talk about their careers,” Edwin Escalara said. “The funnel cakes were good, too.”