Career Fair a slithering success

One of the most stressful questions to ask a teen is: What do you want to be when you grow up?

The 2007 Bridgestone/ Firestone Career Fair held Friday at Motlow State Community College and Tennessee Technology Center attracted thousands of students to help them find the answer.

The day offered students over 30 glimpses into different occupations and exhibits for banker, jeweler, dispatcher and artist. Also offered were science and chemistry that gave instructor-to-class sessions throughout the day.

On hand were emergency medical technicians with the Warren County Ambulance Service and firefighters from the McMinnville Fire Department.

?We have to do something to get these kids interested in their future,? said training and safety officer Phil Mitchell from the fire department. ?Getting involved in this every year does that. We get a chance to interact with them. No matter what they choose to do, it is important they see what is out there.?

After talking with firefighters, students were given firefighter hats. Also given away was the experience of touching a snake.

?At least I can say I held a snake,? said local student Olivia Majors who held the attention-loving bull snake at the park ranger exhibit offered by Motlow biology instructor and conservationist Gregg Garrison. ?That?s an experience not everyone has had. I was scared to death. It kept flicking its tongue out.?

Along with the non-venomous North American bull snake, which can reach up to five feet long, the exhibit offered a pair of red eared slider turtles and Toby the raccoon.

The fair is meant to open the door to career opportunities for students who might not know what is out there. Along with Warren County participants, students were bused in from Grundy, Cannon, Coffee and White counties.