January 16, 2007
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS , OH – On December 19, REAL School 11th grade students told their peers, parents, and community mentors what they learned from shadowing a professional in the community for a day.

The community volunteers who mentored REAL students included: two attorneys, a physical therapist, a veterinarian, a NASA micro gravity researcher, a photographer, a real estate broker, a sports talk radio station manager, an airport manager, a graphic artist, and an accountant.

Tyrone Conner spent a day at Howard, Wershbale and Company, a CPA and consulting firm. He said that if the audience had any preconceived notions that accountants are boring math people; that is absolutely not true. "CPAs have to be good at meeting with people, solving problems, and have computer skills," Tyrone said.

Eli London visited WKNR Sportstalk radio, where Program Director Michael Luczak told him that to succeed in radio broadcasting five skills are necessary: reading, writing, listening, speaking, and social skills. "I did not realize how much goes into producing a radio program," Eli said.

Principal Marc Aden commented, "Our students gave wonderful presentations using technology. I was extremely pleased with the quality of their work."

The purpose of the REAL School junior year mentorships is to expose students to a career that interests them and to provide a connection between school and the world of work. "Seeing the skills that are used in a job helps students value school. It can be very motivating," Mr. Aden continued.

In May, REAL School seniors can explore a career in more depth with a three-week internship.