On January 22, Laura Davis of DeVry College of New York stopped by the Forestdale Youth Advisory Board meeting to offer a “Career Shop” presentation. For approximately two hours on this Friday afternoon, Ms. Davis talked with a group of Forestdale teens on topics focused on their futures.

Ms. Davis began her visit by stressing the importance of self-identification. Knowing one’s own personality, she taught, would lead to a wiser career choice, and thus a happier, more productive adulthood. In an effort to familiarize the attendees with themselves, Ms. Davis handed each a PDA and directed a modified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test. This abbreviated personality analysis offered each youth a glimpse into the qualities that make each one who he or she is, while simultaneously offering a chance to explore just how accurate their colleagues’ results were!

Continuing the program, Ms. Davis worked to expand the youth’s knowledge of available careers. As she pointed out, “Most kids say they want to work in a field they are familiar with, just because of the familiarity factor.” Thus, she introduced the teens to five fields of work in which no one had expressed desire to work, much to the interest and attention of the audience. Naturally, Ms. Davis’ presentation had a slant towards degree programs offered by her university, but the information presented was unconditionally worthwhile.

Further, Ms. Davis spoke about factors that motivate one for the pursuit of higher education – specifically, the long-term benefits of the investment in a college degree. Since affordability is an omnipresent issue, Ms. Davis provided helpful tips on how to afford college, such as navigating the sea of financial, aid grants and scholarships. Other important topics included how to choose the right school, based on factors like the degree sought and career mobility goals.

All in all, the Forestdale teens learned a good deal about themselves and how to prepare for making the most of their futures.