Career Day at Chatham High

Students heard plenty of stories from various professionals at Chatham High School's Career Day on Friday.

Chef Jennifer Iserloh, for one, told the students about her first time preparing food in a professional kitchen. It wasn't, she said, necessarily the romantic experience that some envision. She was working, putting food into a bowl, when she was rudely surprised.

"The chef came up behind me and snatched the bowl out of my hand," she said. "And I was terrified."

Iserloh's tale was just one of many real-life stories numerous professionals told to Chatham students during the day, during which students each listen to two people tell them about their careers. Assistant Principal Lori Gironda said the event is intended to show students what life outside of high school is like, since it is sometimes difficult for students to imagine that.

"I think the real benefit of it is that students get to see what they learn in school could transfer into a full career for them," Gironda said.

As physical therapist Lisa Hart spoke, students passed around props she handed out.

She encouraged students to follow their passions.

"If you're a physical therapist, you're definitely going to be working in a profession that you love," she said.

Others encouraged the students to not be afraid of chasing what they want to.

Musician Judy Vincent spoke of her efforts in getting into Julliard, where she hoped to play the piano.

"Where the heck did I get the guts to think into Julliard?" she rhetorically asked. But she did, and made a successful career for herself.

Students seemed to enjoy their time during the day. Will Weichert sat in on Hart's presentation about physical therapy, and afterward, he opined about his experience.

"I didn't know much about physical therapy," he said. "But I learned a lot."