DANVILLE – Seventh-graders at Danville Junior High School got a first-hand look at careers of their choice Wednesday and they did it without leaving their classroom.
Using virtual reality software and headsets provided by Opportunity Knox, they could elect to witness actual knee surgery or watch as professionals worked in other fields ranging from energy exploration to construction to animal care.
Counselor Vicky Dillon said all 48 seventh-graders will have an opportunity to participate during a nine-week rotation. She coordinates the career exploration activity with classroom teacher John Rupp.
“This point in the lives of these students is a great time to explore what path they might want to take,” Dillon said. “Their interests now can help to prioritize the classes they will take in high school. Do they want to go to college? Will they want to enroll in the career center?”
Career exploration includes guest speakers from the community who represent health care, manufacturing and other businesses. Sean McCutcheon, career navigator at the Knox Educational Service Center, helps to arrange visiting speakers and was on had this week to assist with the virtual reality activity.
Ava Presley is one of the students who explored careers while wearing a headset.
“It was really realistic. I got to see more than I thought I would,” she said. “I saw knee surgery, energy exploration and caring for animals. It helped me think about what I would like to do someday.”
While four students wore the headsets their classmates were able to watch much of the activity on a television screen.
Rupp, who teaches algebra and general math, agreed with Dillon that seventh grade is an ideal time for students to think about their futures.
“The benefit is allowing kids to explore different types of careers at a young age,” Rupp said. “It’s nice to have adults from the community come in and talk to the students but this virtual reality activity gives them a unique opportunity that also is fun.
“I have some students who have an interest in becoming doctors or nurses. I suggested they explore the reality of knee surgery. Some of them might continue that interest; others might decide to look elsewhere,” he said, smiling.