Alums aid students’ quest for success

Lawrence Woodmere Academy’s alumni volunteered to conduct interviews with a select group of the school’s seniors. The students were asked to write a paragraph that explained how these interviews would help them, and what they would be able to bring to a future internship or job.

The graduates, both men and woman, ranged in age from 30 to 60, and took various career paths to attain their success. The interviews gave them a chance to share that success with LWA students who are about to enter a world of opportunities as they move on to college.

During the interviews, which lasted no more than 15 minutes, students discussed their accomplishments, interests, strengths and weaknesses as alumni asked questions that would allow them to get to know the students better.
Alumni asked the students what their plans were for the future and how they would achieve their goals. The alumni were also able to offer students internships that might enhance their college resumes.

Additionally, they encouraged students to articulate positive thinking to increase their confidence in interviews internships and professional positions. If they hoped to become an engineer, they should say, “I am going to be an engineer,” and if their dream was to go to medical school, they should say, “I am going to medical school.”

Not only did the students learn interview tips from the alumni, but the alumni learned something as well. The competition was getting better. Teenagers seemed to be maturing at a quicker rate and have a plan for their future at a much younger age than the previous generation. The alumni learned that the future is held in the minds of the younger generation and that they should not be underestimated.