JSD Consensus: Nerds Rule
added 04/08/10
Every year the Co-op participates in Job Shadow Day (JSD), where 8th graders from across the Upper Valley come to learn about what Co-op employees do. When three of them descended on the office of the Co-op Web Editor, they decided nerds rule and made the page you are reading now. Read more about what they had to say.
Job Shadow Day 2010
Written by Amber Burke of Hartford Middle School. Contributed by Nick Bradley and Megan Mason of Lebanon Junior High School.
A few months ago we were given a paper to fill out, asking what we wanted to be when we grow up. Having never given this serious thought my mind went completely blank. This was really scary. I started checking boxes of my likes, dislikes, and strengths. Our school counselors were going to assign us with a job for the day based on our compatibility.
The Verdict
When I found out I was going to the Co-op, I was less than thrilled. I complained to my friends and counselor saying, “I don’t want to work in retail—not that there is anything wrong with that—but I want to be an artist!” My counselor tried to console me, telling me it would be fun. Sure.
The Arrival
When I arrived on the job, a half an hour late, I was greeted by a computer nerd. Great. Then I was sent to a small cubicle with four other kids my age, who looked as unsure as I was. We chatted for a small portion of time about graphic design. Then we were given the opportunity to ask question about that field of work. The typical questions were asked. “What do you like about your job? What do you dislike? What education is needed?” Our job shadow host answered honestly, and with a sense of humor. “What is the worst part of your job?” we asked.
“When we can’t find good snacks,” our host answered.
The Snacks
We really started to enjoy ourselves when our host gave a tour, and made a beeline for the snacks. Now we are enjoying natural diet soda, and sweet chili and red pepper chips—which may I add, taste like barbeque.
The Final Verdict
Now I find myself typing this, being watched over for my chronic spelling mistakes. I also find that I am enjoying my Job Shadow Day, and learning so much about what really goes into graphic design. It’s everywhere you look. Every super market, every street sign, every web page. Yes kids, even Facebook.
This page written, designed, illustrated, programmed, and art directed by Amber Burke, Nick Bradley, and Megan Mason—future supervisors of Co-op Web Editor Ken Davis (the “computer nerd” referenced above). Learn more about JSD and other Co-op youth outreach programs.
