IPS students get early look at their futures - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Summer vacation gets underway for many area school children this week and for some elementary school students, it's a time to take a serious look at what they want to be when they grow up.

UPS First Captain Christina Darnell addresses a classroom of fourth and fifth graders, welcoming them to Career Day.

There was a new set of instructors at IPS School 96 on the west side. An electrician in the commercial field, a veterinarian, a pediatric resident at Riley Hospital, a registered nurse, an actor and the ticket office manager at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, a cosmetology instructor and a stylist.

"Kids normally want to be football stars, basketball stars, but the reality is, there are only a small amount of children that are successful in doing that," said Principal Mary Siefert. "So we have them go outside the scope of people they see on a daily basis."

Career days are nothing new for schools, but they are usually held for high school or middle school students. But at IPS School 96, they decided it allows fourth, fifth and sixth graders a jump start on thinking about their futures.

The students voted on what kind of careers they were most interested in. Teachers and parents arranged the visits from all kinds of professionals - from airline pilot to veterinarian.

"It was fun," said fourth grader Idanie Felix. "I think it would be cool to be a veterinarian. I couldn't do the surgery, though."

"It was cool, 'cause (we're) learning more about dogs," said Freddy Sanchez.

"I want them to have the dream of whoever they want to be and to accomplish those goals as citizens and be productive when they are adults," Siefert said.

This is the second year for Career Day and organizers expect it to remain on an annual event.