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When did you start thinking about your future career?
Do you remember the age?
Looking back, I knew from an early age — probably about 7 — that I wanted to be a writer.
I vividly remember telling a teacher at Dana Elementary in Forty Fort that I wanted to be a writer and teacher. While the latter didn’t happen, the first did.
My love of writing stemmed from my mother’s love and talent for the same.
Growing up, she always wrote her children and friends heartwarming notes with her vast and varied vocabulary. As an English teacher, she always shared stories from her classroom about what the students were reading and instilled in me a love of literature (today I read mostly celebrity biographies, but that’s besides the fact).
I was thankful to be exposed to writing and literature at such an early age. I combined my love of writing with my desire to always “be in-the-know” into a journalism job eventually.
Exposure is vital to kids at an early age: exposure to potential careers, exposure to opportunities and exposure to successful people.
All are important, and all are goals of the second-annual JA Inspire taking place Tuesday and Wednesday at Mohegan Pennsylvania, thanks to Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
More than 2,500 high school students will visit for introductions to area business professionals with interactive booths and rooms designed to inspire.
I encourage everyone reading to follow Junior Achievement of NEPA on Facebook and Instagram for updates as the event unfolds (and of course watch the Times Leader for full coverage).
Last year, we saw students engaging with companies spanning a plethora of industries: manufacturing, business, media, education, culinary, public service and beyond.
I’ll be there the whole time, too, as I was last year.
I really appreciated the excitement on the students’ faces as they walked in and saw the many businesses and professionals on hand.
It’s an excellent time for students to ask questions and learn.
Similarly, it was endearing to see all of the time and care companies spent preparing their setup. Last year there was a flight simulator, bean bag toss, dental demonstration, fragrance-making and more.
I’m looking forward to another event that inspires the students as much as it does the volunteers.
We could all use some inspiration, especially when we’re young.
Mike McGinley is a Times Leader columnist who is often called a man about town. Email him thoughts at mikejmcginley@gmail.com.