Eighth-grade students learn about careers

MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College was packed with eighth grade students interested in careers Tuesday.

Approximately 900 students attended an eighth grade career showcase, sponsored by Central Washington University and Washington State University Gear Up.

Buses from Ephrata, Lake Chelan, Othello, Royal City, Soap Lake, Wahluke and Warden brought students to the campus.

Speakers in 48 professions spoke about the realities of their jobs.

Kara Garrett, Big Bend dean of Education, Health and Language Skills, said the event exposes students to careers they may not have previously considered.

“It helps them to focus a little bit more clearly in their ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th grade course work at the high school,” Garrett said.

Life Skills Coordinator Sarah Kast said the event went well. All presenters showed up and students were well behaved, Kast noted.

Ephrata Middle School student Alicia Nelson, 13, said she enjoyed the career fair.

“I’m definitely going to be a photographer,” Nelson said.

Nelson learned from Moses Lake photographer Jonda Spurbeck that photography can be a tougher job than it appears to be.

The career is still one she wants to pursue.

Ephrata Middle School student Rachel Sparks, 14, said she wants to be a nurse so she can help people.

She said she learned the field is about more than just helping people who are sick.

Garrett said some of the students have never visited Big Bend before.

“This was their first trip and hopefully it won’t be their last,” Garrett said.

The day began at 9:30 a.m., with a motivational speaker. Students then dispersed to hear from speakers in three careers they were interested in exploring.

“The career professionals were really outstanding. They volunteer their time to share career information with the students, and we couldn’t do it without them,” Garrett said.