What do kids want to do with their lives these days? They want to become architects, fire fighters, nurses, cosmetologists, artists and law enforcement agents. These are just some of the jobs Scotts Creek seventh graders explored during their job shadow experiences in April. Students completed a survey indicating their top three career choices and were placed with community businesses and university programs to spend a morning exploring the ins and outs of professional life. Heath Morgan, Shawn Rasnic and Cody White chose to job shadow with architect Odell Thompson of Sylva. Southwestern Community College's GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness for Undergraduate Programs) worked with the school to place 49 students at 25 job sites throughout Jackson County. GEAR UP is a federally funded, national program in Jackson County that raises students' awareness of career and college opportunities. Students were responsible for interviewing their job hosts about various aspects of the profession such as education required, training, experience and why their hosts chose to enter the profession.

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