In early February, juniors at Jo Byrns High School had the opportunity to perform job shadowing with the Robertson County Chamber of Commerce or tour the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) in Clarksville. These juniors were able to learn about the reality of their potential future careers as well as explore postsecondary options. Students in Ms. Gentry’s English classes were asked to reflect on their experiences. These are some statements from that assignment:

“When the job shadowing started, I met Shawn Shoemaker, the IT specialist for all five branches of the Credit Union in Robertson County. I learned how to manage a server and how to reset the satellite for troubleshooting...Working for the Credit Union is a career I can see in my future.”

“That day solidified my belief that I want to be a CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist) and will hopefully be great at it.”

“I learned at TCAT that you can do whatever you want as long as you put your mind to it.”

“I have my heart set on welding and mechanics.”

“The machinist department, they say, is the best in the country.”

“The job would stress me out too much.”

“It was a great experience to learn and see if I like that profession.”

“He taught me how to perform an EKG, and I got to see many other small procedures.”

“I learned that a registered nurse is what I want to be.”

“I got to see so much more that what I wanted to do.”

“I’m so excited that my Tennessee Promise will help me go to the cosmetology program at TCAT.”

“I was told that graphic design is all around us: by the clothes we are wearing to advertisements we observe in our everyday life.”

“I had a really good time and I would love to job shadow with her again and learn more about the nursing programs. I either want to pursue my dreams of being a physical therapist or be a social worker.”

“TCAT was a great opportunity for me to investigate what I want to do for a career. I am looking to either study for mechanics or technical physician. Both are great jobs and offer a great future.”

Thank you to the many local businesses, Northcrest medical center, and TCAT for offering this opportunity to our students.