It was a simple idea and simple event. But what we saw left us inspired.
On Tuesday, more than 150 high school students from around the Golden Triangle went to East Mississippi Community College’s campus in Mayhew. They gathered in groups and toured the campus, talking with instructors and students about programs the college offers and lines of work they could one day pursue. It was an effort to get the students thinking of their futures and the choices they soon will face.
Sure, sounds simple.
But here’s what we liked: The high school guys toured the cosmetology department. And the nursing department. And they spoke with culinary instructors.
You’ll notice those are careers typically pursued by women.
The guys got equal time, too, to talk with EMCC welding instructors. And forestry and truck driving students, as well.
Meanwhile, the high school gals spoke with carpentry instructors. And electrical students, as well as drafting and design students.
Of course, the gals got to visit with nursing, cosmetology and nursing instructors, too.
We really like this approach.
Over the past few years, this country, this state and the Golden Triangle region seem to be realizing that when it comes to the futures of high school students, they need choices.
Not every high school senior wants to go straight to college after graduating. Nor do they all want to go straight to work.
We are proud that our area continues to work to help offer high schoolers options.
Out near the Golden Triangle Industrial Park, plans are in place to build a Communiversity, a three-story structure that will, in addition to offering work-related classes through EMCC, be a showcase for items manufactured in our region. Its goal is to not only prepare our workforce, but offer our young people a chance to get an up close and personal view of what we create here.
Additionally, the Lowndes County School District is in the process of building a vocational school that will be available to every county student. For Columbus-based students, the McKellar Technology Center is available for vocational students.
These efforts give the people of our community a chance to prepare for a career in the arena of their individual passions.
The event Tuesday at EMCC pushed that idea a bit further.
No high schooler should be limited to just going to college. Or just going to work. Nor should they grow up thinking only certain lines of work are appropriate for them, regardless of gender.
Exposing our young people to options — and, more importantly, getting them thinking about all the possibilities — certainly inspired us.
We feel certain it inspired them, too.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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