When I Grow Up...

In March, WACO High School juniors and seniors participated in several different internships throughout the county and state.

Internships had previously taken place during the first full week after returning from winter break, but were moved to March this year. This changed the name from J term to spring term.

Additionally, this was the first year that students in 11th grade were required to participate in an internship instead of enrichment classes offered at the school for the week.

The expectations were for students to complete 25-30 hours of internship accompanied by a brief PowerPoint presentation presented to the community at the end of the week.

Students interned with a variety of businesses and organizations throughout the local counties and state including Henry and Washington counties sheriff’s offices, PAWS & More, University of Iowa, Coe College and William Penn athletic departments and many others.

WACO junior Grace Coble experienced work with Eichelberger Farms.

Coble had the opportunity to see hands on biosecurity measures, pig auditing, pig nutrition requirements, and production meetings.

She much preferred being out in the field.

“I could never sit in an office all day,” Coble said of her experiences with Eichelberger Farms.

Another junior, Jocelyn Fulton, spent time with local dentist offices because she has an interest in being a dental hygienist.

Mt. Pleasant Wettach Family Dentistry and Children’s Dental Center of Southeast Iowa welcomed Fulton.

“I never realized how much more went into it,” Fulton said.

Fulton said that the whole experience pointed her in the direction of pediatric dentistry.

“It prepares you to know which colleges to look at,” Fulton said of the program.

Senior Jon Rice took the opportunity to shadow Mt. Pleasant police officers despite already having similar experiences with Washington police and sheriff’s departments.

“I want to be part of the solution not part of the problem and I was really really inspired to make sure I’m always being helpful,” Rice said of his ride along.

Rice may already be on the right track according to Mt. Pleasant Police Chief Lyle Murray.

“[Jon] was polite, well-mannered, asked good questions, and was interested,” Murray said.

Murray encourages students to reach out to their local police departments for opportunities to see the job in action.

Junior Ty Egli branched out a little further than the rest when he took on an internship with WACO alumnus State Rep. Joe Mitchell.

Egli attended investigative hearings, learned how state government works, and participated in campaign activities.

“90% of it is slow but 10% of it is really fast and exciting,” Egli said.

“We had lots of fun catching up, and we had even more fun touring around the State Capitol building,” said Mitchell in recognition of Egli in the legislative report April 6.

Egli also spent time at the local level of government in Henry County. He even helped Main Street Washington take down wedding decorations in the Union Block.

WACO guidance counselor Amy Pullis and teacher Sandy Vantiger began this program for the students five years ago and continue to head it up with the help of fellow teacher Laurie Miles.

What is Pullis’ favorite part?

“Seeing and hearing about [the internships], and when the students talk our ears off,” Pullis said.

Pullis looks forward to seeing what students will continue to do in the future.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com