Professionals give children a look at their dream jobs
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Joyce Ellis, executive director of the LeMoyne Community Center in Washington, believes if children embrace their "dream job" at an early age, "they can have something to cling to."
So, a few weeks ago when she asked students in the center's after-school program -- which predominantly serves poor African-American children -- what their dream jobs might be, she received responses such as architect, doctor, veterinarian, nurse, Green Beret, professional football and basketball players, scientist and President of the United States.
"I thought, 'maybe we should connect the kids to these fields,' " she said.
What started as a celebration of Black History Month, she said, "has taken on a life of its own."
Last week, the architect who designed the center's addition spoke to students. This week, two attorneys are scheduled.
For the student who wants to become president, state Rep. Brandon Neuman, D-Washington, plans to drop by for some talk of government and politics.
Other speakers include Washington Mayor Brenda Davis and East Washington Mayor Mark Pacilla. Chiefs of local police and fire departments are also expected to visit.
The class will take a field trip to the Washington Animal Hospital to watch Ms. Ellis' dog, CoCo, get his shots from a veterinarian at a date to be determined.
What is certain is the program will extend past February.
"I can't get through all the professions in one month," she said.
But dream jobs are only part of the celebration of Black History Month at the center as children were treated to the history of the site itself, which spans two centuries.
Last week, 18 students visited the LeMoyne House at 49 E. Maiden St., Washington, which was a stop on the Underground Railroad, a secret route used by 19th century slaves to escape to the free states.
The house, built by the father of abolitionist Francis Julius LeMoyne, for whom the center is named, was the state's first National Historic Landmark for the Underground Railroad.
The center sits on property philanthropist Robert Forrest opened to the poor in the late 1800s to learn recreational games and sports. He eventually deeded the property to the African-American community.
At the center's dedication in 1956, guests included Major League Baseball's Jackie Robinson and executive Branch Rickey, who signed Robinson, the league's first African-American player.
Next year, Ms. Ellis' plan is for children to shadow practitioners of their dream jobs and then to add layers of involvement in subsequent years.
"I want to start with the foundation, and then add a house, and a roof on the house," she said. "A lot of our kids have dreams but people --- family, peers, schools -- snuff it out."
Ms. Ellis said she wants "to build a strong foundation so no one will be able to take that away from them."
First Published February 9, 2012 12:00 am
