Career Day at the J.E. Manch School

An outstanding and fulfilling experience talking
to attentive elementary students...

By Bob Rind


Bob RindThe letter arrived at the Las Vegan office as a request for a representative to attend a CAREER FAIR at the J.E. Manch Elementary School. We would be talking with 3rd, 4th and 5th graders about our magazine, as well as the importance of education, keeping a clean record, and remaining drug free. Being the senior writer of the staff, I was asked to accept the invitation. After looking over my workload and considering this new venture, I agreed.
Las VegasThe instructions sent from the school staff advised I was to have 25 minutes to speak to four different groups in a specific classroom. The event was to start at 1:00 PM. I signed in at the Welcome Center and was offered a cold drink with some snacks and then led to the classroom where I was to "Attend Court."
Las VegasI was greeted cordially in the classroom by the teachers in charge and introduced to the class. I was immediately besieged with questions from the students. Each student was given a special sticker badge that had the location of his or her four stops. There were a total of 40 career day guest participants.

 

 

Back
Career Day
Las Vegas
Las VegasPrior to arriving at the Career Fair, I spent a few hours preparing notes on what I wanted to say. It struck me, I had written five children’s stories and several were for kids in the grade levels to which I would be speaking. None have been published. I felt this was the opportunity to obtain unbiased opinions from these kids before publication. I talked first about the differences between a reporter and a writer, and gave examples. I told them what is involved in publishing a magazine. They seemed interested and asked questions.
Las VegasWith the few remaining minutes I hastily read one of the stories in each session. Each was accepted overwhelmingly. When I told the classes the story was true, they couldn’t believe it. I wished I had more time to talk to and relate to these students. Here are some letters I received from a few of the attending students along with a picture of myself "Holding Court." end