Groundhog Job Shadow Day 2007

  • Published
  • By Grace Foulk
  • Guest Writer
Thirty-four freshmen students from Central and Lakeview High Schools arrived at Goodfellow Feb. 2 to take part in the Right Choices for Youth Groundhog Job Shadow Day.

Groundhog Job Shadow Day is an event that allows the students to understand more about a career field which they are interested in. This year's program was the fourth year Goodfellow has been asked to host the event.

The program is intended to help young people explore firsthand the skills and education needed to succeed in today's and future job market, said Cheri Dedrick, the base point of contact for Groundhog Job Shadow Day. It is also designed to encourage the development of relationships between students and caring adults, Mrs. Dedrick added.
The students shadowed mentors from a variety of different career fields: finance, medical, legal, photography, security forces, fire fighting, the Army and Marine detachments and even the command chief master sergeant were just some of the careers that the students got an inside look at.

The program was locally sponsored by Shannon Health and Wellness, which partnered up with Shannon Right Choices for Youth and the Concho Valley Partnership.

"I've really enjoyed taking part in the job shadow day," said Mayra Del Riva, a ninth-grade student at Lakeview High School. "I received a lot of good information and would definitely recommend this program to other students," she continued.

"I think this is a great way for those of us in the military to contribute back to the youth of our communities," said Maj. Stephen Cristofori, 17th Comptroller Squadron commander, who was one of this year's volunteer mentors. "Today's event also provides us the opportunity to dispel any rumors or beliefs that the Air Force is all about jets and fighting wars," Maj. Cristofori added. "It's an opportunity to show people that there are hundreds of great career fields in the military."