St. Luke Students Explore Local Careers in the Community
St. Luke Catholic Elementary School is broadening the horizons of young minds by planting the seeds for future careers through exposure to various occupations held by professionals within the community.
Last month, students from kindergarten to grade 8 were inspired by 17 guest speakers who shared insights about their careers, educational paths, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
While more traditional career paths like nurse, mechanic, lawyer, and firefighter were covered, some niche roles, such as charcuterie board specialist and mortician, were also explored.
A highlight this year was a four-legged special guest, Blue, from the Halton Regional Police Canine Unit. Handler Const. Matt Volaric detailed not only the rigorous training involved but also the deep commitment required.
"I'm in this unit as long as Blue is healthy and can work. So that's about eight to nine years,” he said.
Volaric explained that they work in 12-hour shifts, and if not actively on scene, 90% of those shifts are spent training to ensure both are in peak condition.
Just as the students began to picture themselves in police uniforms, Kelly Botelho introduced them to the world of journalism.
As a news broadcaster for CHCH, Botelho explained that she is responsible for reporting important events in Hamilton from a neutral perspective. Each day brings a new story to share, requiring her to film, interview, and edit footage so it can air that same day.
When asked what story she was working on that day, students were thrilled to learn it was them. You can watch her Career Day segment here: CHCH Career Day Segment
Like Volaric and Botelho, each speaker seemed to unlock a new dimension of possibility.
For older students entering the world of social media, a cybersecurity professional not only explained the fast-paced digital landscape but emphasized the importance of being vigilant online, especially when sharing personal information.
With every field explored, questions were sparked and minds were opened. From the creative to the technical, the traditional to the unconventional, each career shared served as a reminder that the future isn't a fixed path, but a landscape of choices waiting to be explored.
For many students, it was the first step in imagining not just what they want to do, but who they might become.
