The VicTory 4 Kidz Porter County Youth Healthcare Career Expo kicked off with a bang on October 8th in Chesterton. The expo featured over 20 different medical leaders, interactive workshops, and white coats for over 300 third- through fifth-graders from across Hobart’s college town.
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After a hugely successful 2023, VicTory 4 Kidz wants to maintain its momentum and continue providing students with the opportunity to gain information about the ever-growing healthcare industry and networking opportunities throughout the three-day event. I did. .
With the need for healthcare professionals increasing by the day, it’s no wonder that VicTory 4 Kidz is focused on providing opportunities for kids to learn about the different career paths currently available. there is no. Dr. Regina Beard, founder of VicTory 4 Kidz, touched on the importance of introducing children to the vast world of medicine in her opening remarks.
“That’s what we’re trying to do,” Dr. Beard said. “We want to raise awareness of the medical profession before they turn 18. We want them to choose a career in the medical profession. We are creating a vision. I wish I had known what a respiratory therapist was when I was in high school. I had no idea what a respiratory therapist was until I was 24 years old, but I definitely want to raise my awareness. ”
Latina Ashana, nurse manager for family birth services at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, also touched on the importance of exposing children to incredible opportunities in health care.
“Healthcare is a continuum,” Ashana says. “We need people to continually come into the field, so it’s better to reach them now while they’re young. Get these kids in early. , it’s good to be able to get people excited about medicine and encourage them to get into this field.”
Students donned the aforementioned lab coats, practiced CPR on dummies, and explored a variety of other interactive booths, including information from Indiana University Northwest, North Shore Health Center, Franciscan Health Center, and Valparaiso University. Throughout the expo I attended, I enthusiastically ran from booth to booth. , among others.
Heather Paulson, a fifth-grade teacher at Joan Martin Elementary School, was shocked by her students’ reaction to the Expo. Mr Paulson said how excited he was to see the students fall in love with all that VicTory 4 Kidz has to offer.
“It’s very exciting,” Paulson said. “Kids are walking around different venues and are very engaged. They’re engaging with them. They don’t just want to get a sheet signed. They want to learn. .”
Paulson also emphasized the importance of paving the way for students’ interests beyond elementary and middle school.
“These kids can start figuring out what they want to do now and go on that path in high school and even in some eighth-grade classes.If you’re interested in health care, Hobart There are great biomedical programs available in high school that allow them to go into the medical field and further their academic careers.”
Today’s event not only introduced students to the world of healthcare, but inspiration was also of interest to many. Lisa Berger, a fifth-grade teacher at Liberty Elementary School, talked about how important it is to see students engaged outside of the classroom, and then talked about motivating students to learn. I pointed out the importance.
“I think it’s good when you’re young just to be inspired by the different things you see here,” Berger said. “A little bit of inspiration in fifth grade may be the driving force you need when you reach high school.”
VicTory 4 Kidz’ Porter County Healthcare Career Expo will provide even more opportunities for students to learn about healthcare in the coming days. Middle school students will participate on Wednesday, October 9th, and high school students will participate on Thursday, October 10th to complete three VicTory 4 Kidz careers. -Events of the day.
To learn more about VicTory 4 Kidz and its mission, please visit their website here. If you haven’t bought your tickets yet for the VicTory 4 Kidz Masquerade Gala on October 17th, be sure to do so before they’re gone.
