A group of teenagers willingly spent a day sampling jobs in the adult world.

Thomas County Central High School sent 19 students into the area’s career space Thursday, Feb. 28 with its annual Job Shadow Day. Twenty-one businesses were involved. Fields ranged from youth development to accounting and welding to the military.

“I am gratified at how many businesses in our community reached out and wanted to host a student at their location for this job shadowing experience,” Brandi Miranda, TCCHS Work-Based Learning coordinator, said. “I thank all the businesses who help to support this event.”

Thomasville YMCA Marketing & Development Director Katie Ketchum says the Y wants to be involved in events that help stimulate the next generation of community leaders. The student who visited the organization shadowed various employees and careers and had the chance to see how work doesn’t have to be a traditional 8-5 desk job, Ketchum said.

“Makaila (Williams) is so intelligent, well-mannered, and highly motivated in her future plans for her career,” Ketchum said of their student visitor. “We enjoyed her company, and if she was looking for a job and we had a position available, we would love to have someone like her as part of the YMCA.”

To participate in the event, students must be in good academic standing, have favorable behavior and attendance records, and provide their transportation.

Sophomore Stephen Fletcher, 16, shadowed at Hands and Hearts for Horses. He observed in the vet tech area and had the opportunity to help groom and lead the horses.

“I learned how to work with horses and the special kind of movements required to work with the horses,” Fletcher said. “My favorite part was grooming the horses because it let me get up close and personal with them.”

The organization offered him the opportunity to volunteer anytime, he adds.

“This is the career path I want to take because I want to work with large animals and this experience gave me insight on what is required,” Fletcher said.

Senior Caleb Clark, 17, shadowed in the sales department at Senior Life Insurance Company.

“The people I shadowed were very engaging in conversation and kept eye contact while talking, as well as making sure I understood what was said even if they had to break it down for me,” he said. “With this experience, I think it’ll be a good plan B if I was looking for a job for helping people, and that’s all Senior Life is about.”

Senior Life Insurance Company Director of Human Resources Wesley Myers says the firm wanted to take part in Job Shadow Day because it is an excellent opportunity to give students real insight into the working life of professionals.

“Students that participate in programs like this are truly taking advantage of resources that will better prepare them for the real, working world,” he said.

Myers said both students who observed at the company were great.

“Everyone they spoke with was impressed with their manners and how they carried themselves,” he said. “Caleb and Brandon (Clark) are both individuals that Senior Life would most definitely consider hiring. We hope that both Brandon and Caleb were able to take away knowledge on what Senior Life does and how our focus is making sure all families are made aware of the importance of having life insurance.”

Freshman Christian Miranda, 14, traveled to Moody Air Force Base. He had the chance to track employees in a few areas and said he learned much from the experience. He wants to join the U.S. Air Force after graduation or attend the United States Air Force Academy.

“It was neat to see how the engine on the A-10 works and have the opportunity to sit in the plane,” he said. “I also realized it takes a complete team to get the plane in the air.”

His favorite part of the day was visiting the flight line and viewing the various aircraft.

“I want to be a pilot in the air force, so it was exciting to see everything up close,” he said. “This was a great experience, and I was able to get a glimpse of my different options. “

Senior Dev Patel, 18, shadowed attorney Andrew Pope from Andrew W. Pope P.C. He’s serious about finding the right career path to follow and has considered entering the law field. However, he had no idea how being an attorney or in a courtroom works.

“From the job shadow, I was able to get a greater insight into how a courtroom operates,” Patel said. “After watching several cases and the roles attorneys serve in a courtroom, I feel more confident that this is the career I want to do.”

His favorite part of the experience was watching Pope in action inside the courtroom and then breaking down the events afterward.

“This really helped me learn what being an attorney is about,” Patel said.

Attorney Andrew Pope enjoyed having Patel shadow him.

“He received an up close and personal view of how our court system works and was able to interact with other lawyers, judges and court staff,” Pope said. “He was very engaged, and I believe he enjoyed his experience.”

Participating companies and organizations support Job Shadow Day’s mission and its student participants.

“High schools and colleges need to do whatever it takes to have students participate in these type programs,” Myers said. “All the experience gained from job shadowing, career fairs or other career-building programs is extremely important in preparing them for when they go in for their first interview.”

Christie Cooper, Smile Doctors practice director, says the company enjoys giving students a peek inside the mouth of its daily operations.

“We have long enjoyed hosting students interested in our passion, which is creating beautiful, healthy smiles,” she said. “Many of these students have gone on to become colleagues in the dental field as a hygienist, dental assistant, dentist or in a specialized field like orthodontics. It's been our experience with these students that each have common traits: high achievers who excel in school, eagerness to learn and grow, and a curiosity for ‘how’ we do things. They appear to be well prepared by their instructors and arrive early, dressed appropriately and are respectful. We would certainly consider future employment for students who exhibit those traits. We hope their time with us prompts them to research possibilities for a rewarding career in the dental field.”

Brandi Miranda believes the day was a success for all involved.

“This event is beneficial for students because it gives them a snapshot of a day in the life of an experienced professional,” she said. “I have received positive feedback from both the students and employers.”