The college option: Tour introduces elementary students to Southeast, professional possibilities

Kindergartner Lucas Grammer has big plans to go to college. "If you don't go to college, you won't get any money or work. You'll stay home and do nothing," he said.

Because Lucas is "good with markers," he plans on becoming an artist. He learned about the profession Wednesday while on a tour of Southeast Missouri State University.

Jefferson Elementary kindergarten and fourth-grade classes explored the campus as part of an annual trip to expose children to college. "We want to let them know that college is a real place and it is really an option for them," said principal Mark Cook.

This is the third year kindergarten students have participated in the field trip, but the first for the fourth-graders. Students visited the River Campus, met university president Dr. Ken Dobbins, wandered through the library and were introduced to mascot Rowdy the Redhawk.

"He's like a bird with a big beak. It's someone dressed in a bird suit," Grammar explained. Afterward, Grammer roamed through Vandiver Hall, where he was surprised by the amenities. "You can make the beds as high or as low as you want," he said.

In the University Center, students rotated through eight stations that introduced them to professions. Each station included a hands-on activity or a community speaker.

"We want to give the message that anything is possible in the future, that students can be or do anything they want. But we stress you have to do well in school right now, because if you want one of the cool careers you have to do well in school," said Dr. Julie Ray, an associate education professor. Ray is also the counselor of the education honor society Kappa Delta Pi, whose participants helped organize and run the career stations.

AARON EISENHAUER ~ aeisenhauer@semissourian.com Jefferson Elementary students made their way past stacks of reference books in Kent Library during their tour of the Southeast Missouri State University campus Wednesday.

Stations for kindergartners focused on careers for astronauts, veterinarians, doctors, nurses, farmers, police officers, artists and chefs. Fourth-grade teachers specifically chose science-related careers to be featured for their students.

"There's a huge push in METS, or math, engineering, technology and science," said fourth-grade teacher Russell Grammer, Lucas' father. "The purpose is to increase the number of students interested in METS fields."

Student Nikylus Thompson's favorite station was one taught by Southeast's gymnastics team, which focused on kinesiology. At another station, students worked on laptops to make a digital turtle move. Others planted seeds with the help of representatives from the Conservation Department. At another station, a Cape Girardeau police officer explained how crime scene investigators collect fingerprint samples.

"I learned that you don't have to listen to what other people want your dreams to be," said Alexis Runnels, a fourth-grader. "Your education is more important than other things."

lbavolek@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123

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