From Curiosity to Careers: PTES Students Explore the World of Work Through Interactive Career Day
Pierce Terrace Elementary School transformed into several hubs of exploration and discovery, as kindergarten and first-grade students participated in an engaging, interactive Career Day. The event was designed to introduce young learners to a variety of professions while helping them connect their classroom learning to real-world opportunities.
Throughout the week leading up to the event, guidance counselor Danita Roey laid the foundation for student learning in her specialist classes. "Students are learning new careers that they weren't aware of previously—through play and bingo," Roey shared. Using Career Bingo as a fun and interactive tool, students began to understand what jobs and careers are and how they impact the world around them.
The morning session featured a strong partnership with Moncrief Army Clinic, where several departments—including dental, radiology, occupational therapy, laboratory services, physical therapy, and nutrition—provided hands-on learning experiences. Students eagerly participated in activities such as brushing a large dental model and viewing slides through a high-powered microscope, giving them a close-up look at careers in healthcare. Librarians from Fort Jackson's Thomas Lee Hall Library also joined the session, highlighting the importance of reading and literacy as foundational skills for any profession.
"Career Day welcomed the initiation of our counseling lesson for classroom guidance," Roey explained. "This week, students have learned what a job or career is and are thinking about what they want to be when they grow up." To support the event's success, 1LT Hayleigh Smith assisted in coordinating participation from Moncrief Army Clinic, helping ensure a wide range of career fields were represented.
Adding a creative and inspiring touch, musician Johnny McElven shared his musical talents by playing the bass guitar, demonstrating how passion and skill can evolve into a meaningful career. As students rotated through each station, they not only learned about different professions but also gained insight into essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
The afternoon session expanded students' exposure even further, featuring careers from Riverbanks Zoo, Sesquicentennial State Park, beekeeping, coaching, museum curation, sales, food inspection, and the Fort Jackson Veterinary Clinic. Army Community Service (ACS) also hosted a station to educate students about on-post services and introduce careers in childcare and babysitting.
"We reviewed various careers and explored what each occupation does and how they help others," Roey said. "Students shared their learning through fun and play." Her approach helped reinforce the day's experiences, allowing students to make meaningful connections between what they observed and what they learned in class.
By the end of the day, students had explored multiple career clusters while beginning to recognize their own strengths and interests. Through hands-on experiences, community partnerships, and engaging instruction, Career Day at Pierce Terrace Elementary sparked curiosity and inspired students to begin imagining their futures. By connecting foundational academic skills—such as reading, writing, and math—to real-world applications, PTES continues to prepare its young learners for success both in and out of the classroom.
