WEST HILLS : Professionals Tell Pupils About Jobs

It was back to school for 44 professionals Wednesday.

An industrial psychologist, an X-ray technician, an actor and a cosmetologist were among those who appeared at Welby Way Elementary School in West Hills to explain their work and urge kids to excel in school.

Fran Jasper, one of the organizers of the annual Career Day event, said the purpose is to inspire children to think about their possibilities for the future and to give them a reason to do well in school.

“With the economy and the competition these days,” Jasper said, “children have to think about careers earlier and earlier.”

Second- through sixth-graders heard descriptions of professions, and then asked questions.

When Rita Berman talked about her nursing career to a classroom of fourth-graders, she faced some unusual questions.

“Do you have to work with dead bodies?” one girl wanted to know. “Is there blood all over the place?” asked a boy. Marie Levine was more specific. “Is it hard to be a plastic surgeon?” she wondered.

Dr. Marc Gamson, an industrial psychologist, said the event helps demystify careers for the students. Many students seemed to benefit.

“Some things are hard and some things are easy,” said Amanda Terrian, a fourth-grader. “You just have to do your best.”

Anthony Powers, a fourth-grader who wants to be a baseball player, said the day was more than just fun.

“I learned why you need to go to school,” Anthony said.