From the time a child is just five years old they are constantly pestered with the same vague question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

That very same question echoes in students’ minds from that day forward. Come freshman year of high school the lucky few of us might have an idea of our ideal future career. That is however, subject to change at least a few times in the course of a high school career.

We are constantly encouraged from the beginning of high school to have an idea of what major we want to pursue in college.  We are constantly encouraged to start prepping now, planning now for something that is four to six years away. High school is a time of self discovery, a time to have fun, and make friends. Yet, the constant stress of deciding your near future lingers.

Although, for some students who have a passion or idea for their future career there are programs  available to help them succeed and get ahead in that career area of expertise. For example the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) serves exactly as a resource for high school students to multitask and get a jump start for their future job.  

According to the official EVIT website, “The East Valley Institute of Technology is one of the best resources Arizona’s students have to guarantee themselves success. Upheld as a model for career and technical education by the U.S. Department of Education, EVIT provides students with the advanced skills and training needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market.”

EVIT offers students over thirty different programs to choose from; some of the most popular include cosmetology, aviation, law enforcement, fire science, and medical professions. The off-campus program is only offered to juniors and seniors and takes up the last three class periods of their day. According to EVIT adviser Clint Beauer, there are approximately only 125 students at Perry participating in the program.

With all the opportunities that EVIT offers it is a shame that so few students at Perry are involved in such an incredible program.

AP/honors courses. If students were influenced regularly to participate in an EVIT program, then perhaps they would be encouraged to answer “what do you want to be when you grow up?”