Students at Rockport High School received insight last week into what life might like beyond the walls of high school and in professions they might want to pursue.
The Rockport High School DECA program hosted its annual career day Tuesday. Professionals representing more than 20 different occupations volunteered to share and discuss with the students their career choices. Students met with the professionals in small group workshops, according to Scott Larsen, DECA advisor.
Jared Dunn, Rockport High Class of 2009 and a Brandeis graduate, who now makes his living in tech sales, addressed the entire student body at the start of the day. He gave some advice to students sitting in chairs where he used to sit: “Invest in yourself … Take care of yourself, life’s a journey and it’s not always easy, embrace change/find your purpose, and finally, learn how to be financially literate, start investing now.”
“It is really cool to hear about different careers, some I didn’t even know existed,” sophomore Reese Swanson, whose father was a presenter, said.
Sophomore Emily Sly, said “Today was important for students to learn about future careers and a chance to hear from the experts who work these jobs every day.”
What made the day even more special was that many of these professionals once sat in the desks and walked the hallways of Rockport High.
One of those alumni was Anthony Ciaramitaro of the Class of 2014 who spoke about his career in finance and wealth management.
“In a world getting more and more competitive, it’s important for professionals now more than ever to continue to educate the younger community on the endless career options in various industries,” Ciaramitaro said of why he volunteered. It’s something simple and fun to tell my story and even if it helps even one student I feel I’m fulfilling the purpose of my whole career.“
“Our students seem to get a lot out career day by meeting these professionals and getting a chance to network with them. In the workshops I was in that was one of the major pieces of advice given to students — build you network, get on LinkedIn, and start building those contacts who can help in your future careers,” Larsen said. “The best thing about career day is hearing success stories from alum who I had in class and hearing about their work experiences knowing that RHS gave them their start.”
Free parking
The free parking season has begun in Rockport, right in time for holiday shopping.
Residents and visitors do not have to pay to park at the kiosk or meter spaces until April 15, according to the Rockport Police Department, which wishes everyone a great holiday season.
Holiday happenings
The First Congregational Church of Rockport is holding its annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. On sale will be gift baskets, baked goods, jewelry, Christmas Past treasures, hand-knit items, and an assortment of winter berries, silver dollars and greens. There will also be a luncheon and regifting table. The church, 12 School St. in Rockport, is handicapped accessible.
Then the Nordic Christmas celebration, Jul Fest, will be celebrated at Spiran Lodge, corner of Broadway and School Street, on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 pm. It will include the St. Lucia festival, holiday music, and lunch, and a selection of Nordic foods including nisu, meats, herring, cheeses will be on sale. Greens and Nordic gifts and linens will also be for sale.
Rockport Ramblings was compiled by Andrea Holbrook this week. If you have a news tip or an item for Ramblings, please contact reporter Stephen Hagan at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.