I’m a Web Designer
I was asked by a contact I have with Twin Lakes Elementary if I would like to participate in their upcoming career fair. They suggested that I come as a web designer (I’m not technically a web designer, but I know the industry well enough I guess). I immediately said “yes” and began planning for what I would say and bring.
A Web Designer, Astronaut and Hairdresser Walk into a Room…
The day finally arrived and I wheeled my little wagon into the library where they had tables set up for each person who was there as a representative of their industry. It was then that I learned what I was up against. I knew that two of my friends were coming. One is a firefighter, and the other is a veterinarian. So I knew I would not be the most popular career there. But then I started reading the other titles around the room. The aforementioned firefighter and veterinarian were there, along with an astronaut, policewoman, hairdresser, doctor, and soldier. There were others including an executive director, notary public, finance officer, and counselor. The room was full of all different types of careers. It was great to see so many people participating.
And then the children arrived. They started with a couple of kindergarten classes. Of course, upon entry, they all saw the cool fireman with his gear laid out for them to try on. Helmets were worn, air canisters were tried out, and alarms were set off for the fun of it. Eventually, they made their way around the room and I even had some kids come up and ask about what I did.
What’s a Website?
Of course, most kindergarteners don’t even know what a website is. But they do know what the zoo is. And they know what a children’s museum is. So we talked about that. And I gave out candy. Did I mention I brought candy? Thanks to the brilliant mind of Jen Rittenhouse, I brought Smarties since the kids were so smart, and handed them out with a “brought to you by the department of brand and candy”. That did the trick. I finally had a chance to chat with some of the kids about what they wanted to be when they grew up. Of course, after passing by the firefighter, police officer, and/or veterinarian, most of their little nametags were changed to their new-found career of choice.
It wasn’t until the fourth- and fifth-graders arrived that I actually got to talk about what I do. I had brought my laptop and had a series of websites up that they could take a look at. They asked how I build websites, or if they could see the code. I did get a chance to open up some code for them, to which I received the exclamation “you’re a hacker!”. Had to laugh at that one.
All in all, it was a great day, put on by the amazing people at Twin Lakes Elementary. Not only did they allow the children to get exposed to many different types of jobs out there, but they were also learning how to talk to adults, ask questions, and investigate on their own. It was very rewarding, and something I would definitely do again. Although, as the executive director, notary public, and I discussed, we will be going out to rent scuba outfits and telling them we are underwater investigators. That or I’ll borrow my friend’s pilot uniform so I can be that. SiteCrafting is definitely cool, but have you ever sat in the cockpit of an airliner?
