Career Day '04 @ Marlton School

by Virginia Miranda

On May 24, 2004 Marlton School held their "Career Day 2004". This event was spearheaded by our DOTS Liaison - Teacher Tera Lynn Gray.

The day started with a continental breakfast for the presenters. Starbucks donated the coffee and there were danishes and water for all. The idea for the Career Day followed the LAUSD Career Pathways.

Many of the presenters were from the different fields in the Career Pathways. We had speakers from The Wildlife Way Station, a deaf hairstylist, and chef, Postal Worker, Doctor, Physiologist and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Also in attendance were people from GLAD (Greater Los Angeles Area on Deafness) E.D.D., and CSUN.

The students switched rooms at thirty-minute intervals. All together there were 12 rooms and 24 presenters. When the time came for the presenters to complete their presentations they were treated to lunch in the Kitchen by Subway.

Once the morning session was done, it was time to go back to the auditorium for a College Panel. We had former students from Marlton as well as others. One student herself deaf is a Medical student at UCLA.

Students were given the opportunity to ask questions of the panel. Some of the question asked were: "Why did you choose your major?" , "What is College life like?" , and "Do you struggle with your Disability?".

When the panel had answered all the questions the students had asked it was time for a guest speaker. Deaf Actress Terryline spoke to the students about life as an Actress. She encouraged them to never give up on their dreams.

The event was capped off with a fashion show put on by the students. They showcased the right and wrong ways to dress for an Interview. The students were given an opportunity to answer questions with the prize for the right answer being a tee shirt (designed by Tera Lynn Gray). Over all the day was a big success and the feedback from the teachers as well as students was very positive.