Connecting the Dots

Chinese philosopher Confucius is credited with the saying, "Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life."

What happens when someone veers from a chosen career path?

How do decisions made during high school affect future career skills?

Approximately 115 area students, including Clearwater

and Orchard underclassmen, discovered answers to those questions during an interactive career exploration simulation called Connecting the Dots, Tuesday, at the Antelope County Fairgrounds. Hosted by Nebraska Extension - Antelope County, the program walks students through the steps of education after high school and navigates the world of work.

Owners and employees of local businesses represented career clusters, as identified by the Nebraska Department of Education. Clusters focus on business, marketing and management; agriculture, food and natural resources; communication and information systems; skilled and technical sciences, health sciences and human sciences and education.

Here's how it worked: Each student received a personalized listing with a career cluster and interests. Students were paired with another student from the same career cluster. The pair received a random fate after high school. Some have restrictions; others list benefits that point participants in a certain direction. Based on the fate and chosen path, students discover how decisions may limit or advance career opportunities.

Students had an opportunity to speak with business owners about their careers and advice they had to offer following the simulation.

During an afternoon session, students attended breakout sessions, which covered resumé writing and networking.

Elgin Bargain Box, Pinnacle Bank - Neligh, Sentinel Building - Albion and the Antelope County 4-H Council funded the event.