WHEN I GROW UP I WANT TO BE A...: FIRST-GRADERS LOOK TO THE FUTURE (FIRST IN A SERIES)

When asked questions about their future jobs, first-graders shot their hands into the air.

Youthful enthusiasm filled Carol Reimann's class at Clippard Elementary School as the youngsters talked about what they want to be when they grow up.

In an effort to capture some of that enthusiasm and add a little practical advice, the Southeast Missourian begins a series of stories based on the dreams of first-graders. The stories will appear each Tuesday on the Learning page.

Over the next two months, the newspaper will take a look at the careers the children have chosen.

The youngsters will tell why they want to pursue a particular occupation. Then the newspaper will follow up with interviews and stories from people in those fields.

Part of each of the newspaper stories will be a rundown of the special training or education needed to pursue a particular career.

The youngsters' chosen occupations make a very practical list.

Four hope to become teachers, perhaps not surprising for children in Reimann's class. She is Missouri's Teacher of the Year.

Three wanted to be salesmen, two firefighters and one a policewoman.

With the possible exception of the two little girls who aspire to become Spice Girls and the one who wants to be Barbie, all are attainable.

Some wanted to follow in the footsteps of their parents, like Raymond Woldvedt who knows his father's job at Lonestar Cement is the best.

Others want to try something a little different, like Corey Fowler who wants to be a baseball player.

The children said training and education would be needed to pursue any of their chosen careers.

Cody Naromor, who wants to be a car salesman, said he needed a lot more practice doing math so he could add up all the money he would make.

When 6 year olds talk about growing up, they envision happy days spent at exciting careers.

By the time they reach high school or college, these children will likely change their career aspirations many times.

But in today's world, career planning is key to reach their goals, educators say.

First grade isn't too early to being thinking about what it takes to become a teacher or an actress or an explorer.