Event gives high schoolers a glimpse of the future

About 140 Waseca area high school students had a look at various options for the future during the Waseca College and Career Fair held at the Mill the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 20. The event was organized by the Workforce Development Committee of the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Waseca Public Schools. Business owners, agencies, and representatives from area technical and traditional colleges–about 40 experts altogether–, shared options and possibilities in a wide variety of fields. Though similar events in the past have brought students in from around the area, Robin Dulas, Chamber Executive Director, clarified  “They were all Waseca this time.”

 

The Mill was packed with tables, some had candy to attract eager, yet nervous young students. There were robots courtesy of Riverland College, drinks, demonstrations and employees ready to talk. One such table belonged to Mandy Quist, who was present on behalf of Minnesota State University Mankato. At the halfway point through her day, she said she’d spoken to around 40 prospective students so far: “We discussed their interests and how MSU applies to that and what they should be thinking about after high school.” 

 

To encourage interaction, participants were given “bingo” cards to have marked as they moved around the space. Each spokesperson used a bingo dabber to stamp the cards when presented. The cards also had ice breaker questions the students could ask to get conversations started.

 

Sam Steffel of Dennis Steffel Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Services of Waseca was among the representatives. Since his is a business that deals with the deceased, he said he’d gotten some pretty interesting questions from some of the students: “Do you believe in ghosts?” or “What’s the pay like?” and “How long does it take to cremate a body?” In answering the questions, Steffel revealed cremations performed by the company take place in Janesville.

 

Unexpected questions aside, Steffel said he wants students who think there is nothing to do in Waseca to reconsider. “Working in the funeral business offers a lot of challenges, and it’s a rewarding career. But if you compare it to the military, with all that hard work, it comes with many rewards. There is lots to do in Waseca.” He said that, even for area youth who go elsewhere for education or military service, he hoped the event planted seeds which would encourage them to return once those phases of their life are complete.