Junior Macy Galante always dreamed of being a teacher. When she took Child Development, her enthusiasm furthered, and now, she has solidified her passion for education through an internship. Though Galante’s internship was required for the course, several other South students have followed their passions separately from a specific class through an internship program, called Internship, ran by the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Department.

According to Dawn Hall, CTE Department instructional supervisor, 33 students demonstrated interest in the program last year. The Editorial Board believes that there is more that both students and teachers can do  to further the advancement of South’s students’ futures by participating in and promoting Internship.

According to the official flyer regarding the internship program, “Internship is an opportunity for students to focus on their passions and define or refine their college major and career goals to match their abilities and interests.” This program is completed outside of school, is available to upperclassmen and provides students with .5 credit, being a pass/fail course.

Despite the CTE Department’s efforts to promote the program, few South students have taken advantage of the opportunity. The Editorial Board encourages students to pursue internships to solidify passions. In addition, students such as senior Kate Snively, who participated in an internship at Pathways Pediatric Center working in physical and occupational therapy, can enroll in Internship to discover new career paths.

“The most beneficial and eye-opening thing I’ve done in my high school career would definitely be my internship class,” Snively said to CTE. “Before this internship, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do in the future.”

In addition to exploring passions, the internship  program can be an important boost to students’ portfolios as they apply to colleges and begin careers, according to Hall.

The Editorial Board recognizes teachers’ power in encouraging students’ growth in career paths, and thus, asks teachers to be informed about the internship program. If there are possible internships applicable to their departmental field, teachers should be prepared to refer students to CTE.

“Ultimately, if every student walked out of here either doing an internship or a senior project internship or experience, I think we walk out with just a greater clarity about who we are and where we’re headed,” Hall said.

In order to encourage future success in students’ career paths, it is important that students can access their interests. Not only should students seek out the internship program as a means of bettering their futures, but teachers, too, should refer their students to the program in order to inspire and further students’ passions.