LIFT Day pushes Northbrook Junior High students to dream big

Career choices may seem a long way away for 12- to 14-year-olds, but Northbrook Junior High students were offered a little inspiration during a special career day last week.

Every two years, parent volunteers organize L.I.F.T. Day (Looking Into the Future Together) to give students an opportunity to explore careers by talking to the people who work them every day.

"We had a parent who is a well-known complex cervical spine surgeon - he gave us a tour of the operating room. We had an author who has written four New York Times bestsellers, an ESPN sports announcer and a parent who runs a multimillion dollar real estate development company that spans multiple states," event co-chair Jacquie Wahlstrom said.

Due to COVID restrictions all the presentations were done virtually, but the program provided a valuable experience just the same. Lauren and Conrad Noll are both attorneys and presented for the first time this year.

"We both love what we do and wanted to share that with the students. Many of the kids know lawyers but do not know exactly what they do, and this is a great opportunity to explain the many different things that lawyers do every day," Lauren Noll said.

NBJH Principal Scott Meek said the event is something both students and staff truly look forward to.

"It's an opportunity for students to participate in an experiential learning activity, and it's also a great way to make a stronger connection with our community members," Dr. Meek said.