I watched graduations from a number of high schools this past week and was left with a feeling that we need to also educate our kids with direction to career centers in the area. In Pasadena there is the Art Center, for budding artists looking to get into the movie industry or business industry as a commercial or sign artist.
In Glendale, the Glendale College of Law trains lawyers, and possible paralegals. In Pomona, health centers train Nurses, medical technicians, dental technicians, and other laboratory technicians. The high schools have a number of career academies where students pick careers and get introductory training in a number of trades. Languages are a popular skill, as most professional offices need translators. Other examples include construction workers, roofers, heavy machine operators, concrete, brick, and tile laborers are needed. Skills are much need in today’s world. Real estate business offices remain as lucrative careers. Most students do not think about professional schools such as architect school, veterinary school, medical school, or even law school. It is a clever idea to Google or sit down with a telephone directory book (remember those?) Survey trades like electricians, plumbers, carpet workers, printers, auto and sales repairers, or even pest control workers. Many students believe they are not bright enough to do something or become something because they think they need to be smarter. I was smart enough to become a barber, and so went to barber school. Later, I was told by a lawyer that I was smart enough to get through law school and become a lawyer, so I believed I could and went to law school and was admitted practicing law. I achieved my dreams because I was told I could do it and believed I could. I have one son who believed he could make a living as a solo Blues musician. I have another son who believed he could earn a PhD. They both conquered their challenges because they believed they could. My mother taught me I could do whatever I wanted if I applied myself. I believed her and accomplished my dreams. Parents, encourage your child. It is your duty. You must be encouraging to your children, build up their egos, and build up their self-esteem, and they will surprise you and make you happy. Too many children were never encouraged. If they are constantly told they are nothing and will never be anything, the result will he or she may never achieve their goal. Encourage them to be like Barack Obama. He, a Black man in America, believed he could become President of this country which had always been led by a white man. He fulfilled his dream and was elected, twice, to the Presidency. All because he was encouraged, and he believed. I suggest that each Black church form a Barack and Michelle Obama Career Club where they discuss careers on a regular basis. Help the young believe so they can achieve. |
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