Glenbard students gain career insights through Mentor Day
As part of the Rotary Club of Glen Ellyn's Mentor Day on Nov. 2, 42 Glenbard District 87 students spent the morning shadowing a professional in a field they are interested in pursuing, learning about what that job entails.
Mentor Day is a long-standing partnership between the Rotary Club of Glen Ellyn and Glenbard South and Glenbard West. Through Mentor Day, students gain valuable information that will help them as they decide on a career path.
Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital was among the mentors for the day. Ten students from Glenbard South and Glenbard West met with cardiologist Dr. Thomas Discher; Jeff Gianares, supervisor of the cath lab and interventional radiology; and Maureen Salihar, manager of cardiac and vascular services. They also toured the hospital's cardiovascular unit.
The three clinicians shared their own stories of entering the medical field and the importance of hard work balanced with exploring their interests.
"It's a long road, but that is life - life is learning," Discher said. "You are writing your personal story now, don't lose yourself."
Discher said he had long enjoyed introducing students to the medical field and encouraging them to think about their future opportunities. "Students today have to play sports like they are playing in college; they have to practice music like they are joining a symphony," he said. "There's a lot of push toward excellence, when we instead need to push more exposure and experience."
Additional mentors include:
• Glen Ellyn Police Department
• Choices Counseling and Coaching (psychology/social work)
• Copresco (business)
• Jeff Waters, CPA (accuounting)
• Wight & Co. (architecture and engineering)
• National Weather Service (meteorology)
• Illinois Aviation Academy (pilot)
• Betsy Boyd of Athletico (physical therapy)
• Play Mechanix (game design and animation)
• TMC2 (computer repair)
• Park View Elementary School
• Glen Crest Middle School
• Hadley Junior High
• Danada Veterinary Hospital
• Glenbard South High School
The event wrapped up with students, the mentors and Rotary Club members gathering for lunch, hosted by the Rotary Club of Glen Ellyn.