An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

NEWS | April 27, 2012

Team Andrews encourages local elementary kids to Aim High at a Career Day event

By Senior Airman Amber Russell 11th Wing Public Affairs

Team Andrews' leadership and professionals in the surrounding community encouraged children to foster a love for learning, set goals and Aim High at a Career day event at Gladys Noon Elementary school in Bladensburg, Md. on April 20.

The career day event commenced with a gourmet breakfast buffet followed by a musical performance given by a trio of student violinist in the school library.

Afterward, Susan Holiday GNS principle, requested that all of the professionals focus their discussions with each grade level on the steps they took to establish their careers.

"Kids have to have a realistic goal in mind to pursue," said Holiday. "We ask that you share not only what your job entails, but what you had to do to prepare for the position you hold today."

Kindergarten to fifth grade students then rotated every 25 minutes from classroom to classroom to learn about all of the careers of the day's leaders, and the choices they can make today to get into the career of their dreams.

The students also had the opportunity to learn from service members of several different career fields in the Air Force.

Capt. Christopher Campbell, 11th Civil Engineering Squadron engineer, Capt. Margaret McCord 1st Helicopter Squadron pilot, 1st Lt. Mark Flannery, 11th Wing Public Affairs specialist, 1st Lt. Titus Butler, 11th Wing Mission Support Group executive officer and 2nd Lt. Chavery McClanahan Force Support Squadron lodging officer, represented the Air Force at this outreach event.

Education was described as a prominent aspect in achieving success by each of the Airmen during the event. The underlying theme for the day seemed to be, the future is right here and right now.

"Whether you want to become a pilot, a soldier, a policeman, a fire fighter or photographer you have to give your best effort in your studies starting today," said Butler and McCord, who worked as team throughout the event.

Many other attributes that contribute to success were deemed important by the Airmen that volunteered their time that morning.

"I would like to share some positive qualities that I learned in third grade from my favorite teacher," said McClanahan to the third-grade students surrounding her. "Have patience, cherish friendships, share, be on time and most importantly have an energized ready-to-go attitude about learning."

Campbell encouraged students to become well-rounded by developing a love for learning in and outside of the classroom.

"Definitely do your best on all the school work assigned to you," said Campbell. "It is just as important to take advantage of extracurricular activities and develop outside interest in something personally inspiring."

Additionally, students of GNS were given the opportunity to talk about their dreams and learn from successful individuals there to encourage them to be their best.

The Airmen also brought the students tangible gifts, like small basketballs, key chains, bookmarks, pencils, etc. to serve as a reminder for what they learned and to commemorate the event.

Making the choice to foster a love for learning and striving to be their personal best will contribute to GNS students' attainment of successful careers, said volunteers and school staff.

"Your career starts early on in life; it's all in how you plan," said Holiday.