Hundreds of ACPSD students and many local employers, including our own District's Communications Department, participated in Job Shadowing Day today. Our student shadow, Holland, an eighth grader from Paul Knox Middle, threw herself into the role with great enthusiasm, conducting insightful interviews with other ACPSD students and their hosts, capturing photos, and learning firsthand how to showcase the wonderful things happening across our school district. There will be more to come about today's Job Shadowing but in the meantime experience the day from Holland's perspective by reading her personally written recap below!
Today I got the opportunity to job shadow the Aiken County School's Communications Department. I got to interview and hear valuable lessons and stories of students and adults. To start off my morning, we went to the City of Aiken Department of Public Safety (ADPS). I spoke to Karl Odenthal as well as Shashanna Sharkey. Something they said drew my attention-your communication skills are the most useful and valuable part of the job. Other people I interviewed also said that fundamental communication skills are the foundation of most businesses and work facilities. You must have your conversations flow in a way that you come across friendly and social to help with these jobs in the future.
Students that I interviewed and met today truly did an excellent job. A comment from Akyira Bryant while I was at the Public Safety Department is really something I wanted to point out. She said, “Even when its hard, never give up, always get through your dreams and chase them.” I appreciate her so much for being so vocal and open to talk to me!
One of my favorite places I visited today was the WJBF TV News station. I interviewed two extremely excited girls, that showed so much interest in their work at the job shadowing. They gave me a great interview. Additionally, I even got to see the set of the WJBF TV News and interviewed the Executive Producer Danielle Casalie on set.
One last place I genuinely loved to see, and thought was very intriguing was the Magistrate Court House. Although we missed the students there, I got to interview the judge, Carroll Turner, and Tonia Johnson, who worked with the students. In addition to an interview, I got to see the court room and took pictures while inside.
Overall, I had such a wonderful day and I’m so appreciative to all the students and workers who allowed me to interview them and take pictures. Another big thank you to Aiken County Schools’ Communications Department, I had such an enjoyable day!
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Written by Holland Piccolino
Paul Knox Middle School Eighth Grade Student
