Soldiers bring career fundamentals to students. Juniors at high schools in North Kansas City are beginning to choose career paths with the help of local Missouri National Guard recruiters.

Kansas City, MO - infoZine - The recruiters are not helping to recruit new Soldiers. Instead, they were preparing students for multiple career paths. The program, called Career Direction, teaches students how to set goals and reach them effectively.

Students from North Kansas City High School, Winnetonka High School and Oak Park High School participated in Career Direction this past spring. The class is divided among two days, with a two-hour class taught each day.

The first day consists of future planning. Topics such as personal values, career preparation, career possibilities, setting goals, education expenses, financial aid, and the Interest Inventory are tackled.

"The test is really interesting," noted Pfc. Ashley Johnson of Kansas City, Mo., who assisted in the Career Direction course.

The Interest Inventory divides students in to nine categories of interest: outdoor, arts/communication, business/management, clerical/administrative, protective/military service, technology, public service, science/mathematics, and social/helping. The 63 question test helps provide students with an area of focus. The Soldiers then give examples of careers in each field.

"It's a nice way for kids to get away from the routine at school. They learn what they can do with their interests," commented Spc. Elizabeth Hash who aides in the Career Direction course.

Day two is hands-on. Students learn how to write resumes, complete job applications and participate in mock interviews.

"I was getting nervous to graduate, now I'm getting excited, and I'm inspired to join," said one student.

Even the teachers were excited for a break from the norm. Many commented that the mock interviews were extremely helpful because they don't usually have time to cover interviewing skills.

"I just can say enough good things about the program," commented Leigh Anne Taylor Knight, executive director of the school district.

"It was beneficial for the students to hear the information from someone other than a teacher," expressed one teacher. "It's time for the students to learn the protocol of the real world," explained another.

"These students only have a 30-minute attention span. The Soldiers kept them interested almost two hours," noted one teacher.

The Soldiers are prepared for the task of keeping students' attention.

"I will ask trivia questions for prizes. The kids are attentive when they know they can win prizes. That, or I will make them stand up throughout the duration of class," explained Career Direction trainer Staff Sgt. Terry Turner.

"People don't realize that we are part of the community, a part of education," Sgt. 1st Class Brian Gustin, a Career Direction trainer explained. Gustin also noted that the Missouri National Guard wants to prepare young adults, whether they are going to college, into the workforce, or into the military.

Gustin was responsible for bringing Career Direction to the three schools as a result of a recent real-world emergency. An explosion south of the river caused some neighborhoods to be evacuated. The Red Cross set up a shelter at North Kansas City High School. Missouri National Guard Soldiers came to see if they could help and were put on security duty, keeping the Red Cross clients separate from the media as well as students. While volunteering, Gustin met Leigh Anne Taylor Knight. Knight thanked Gustin and the other Soldiers and chatted about programs that the Missouri National Guard brings into schools. Gustin was surprised to later find that Knight was the executive director of the school district.

Because of their meeting, Gustin, along with Master Sgt. Rodney McKinney, were able to bring Career Direction to the school district. The Soldiers met with the School to Career team to work out a schedule for Career Direction to be taught during the students' Achievement class.

"We worked out a schedule and got them worked into the classroom," explained Knight.

With the district-wide Youth Hiring Fair in April, Career Direction had to be brought into the schools early to provide students with the tools to succeed.

"It was great! They were very well received," explained Knight. "Teachers, team members and event parents have commented on how well prepared the students were."

Gustin said, "The big thing is that in four days, the Missouri National Guard was in the entire North Kansas City school district." In the four days, the Guardsmen taught over 1,500 high school juniors.

It's a win-win situation explained McKinney. The schools, the students, and the Guard all win. The schools complete an interest inventory requirement without any cost, the students learn about future planning and career options, and the Missouri National Guard breaks down barriers with the students.

"We'll definitely ask them back next year. If they don't come, we'll be knocking down their doors," added Knight jokingly.

The Missouri National Guard also brings other courses to local schools free of charge. Classes such as diversity, drug and alcohol awareness and others are taught by local Soldiers.

"It's highly likely that we'll bring them back to do other programs. The teachers really enjoyed their program," explained Knight.

For more information on the Missouri National Guard and how to bring programs like this to your school, log onto www.moguard.com .