On November 20, 2024, Bel Air High School held a Career and Trade Fair for Juniors and Seniors with local businesses and vendors.
Juniors attended the Fair during their A1 class, and seniors attended during their A2. The purpose of this event was to expose students to the unlimited options they will have after graduation. Some careers there were the Police Department, Fire Department, lifeguarding, Advanced Radiology, and communications infrastructure. For those who are not sure what career they want to choose, Career Navigator Monique Stiemke, has some advice. “Try a bunch of free training certifications and you will find the one for you without wasting time or money.” Stiemke expressed that she was a teacher for 20 years before becoming a navigator. She now loves her job and wishes this is what she had done all along.
Trinity McCall participated the fair and currently wants to attend Morgan State University to learn more about film criticism. She believes the process of getting there will be tough. “I’m a junior, so this year my grades have a much bigger impact on my future, and that is scary.”
For some students, the time for college applications is already here. Senior, Patricia Jefferson, hopes to go to Bowie State University (BSU), Towson University (TU), or University of Delaware (UD). Jefferson has already applied to two out of the three (BSU and UD). She is excited to graduate but is nervous about making new friends. One piece of advice Jefferson has for juniors as they prepare for their future is “for a greater chance of getting in, apply to your colleges early.”
Overall, the Career and Trade Fair was successful, and many students received insight into the possible options for their future.