For many high school freshmen, the prospect of choosing a career can be daunting. With countless options available and an ever-changing job market, students often find themselves overwhelmed by the decision-making process. To help guide their freshmen through this uncertain journey, Eastern High School hosted a Career Exploration Panel on February 5, 2025, bringing together a diverse group of professionals to share their experiences and insights.

The event, held in the school's auditorium, aimed to provide students with real-world perspectives on various career paths. By hearing from professionals across different industries, freshmen were able to gain valuable insights into potential career options and the paths that led these successful individuals to their current roles.

A Journey of Discovery

The panel featured an impressive lineup of speakers, each offering a unique perspective on their career journey:

Michael Bryar, Senior Civil Project Engineer at JQOL
Dr. Alexandra J. "Ali" Taylor, Assistant Professor of Special Education at Bellarmine University
Andrea Metts, COO at Team Travel Source
Travis Hines, Program Manager at Junior Achievement
Michelle Tinnell, General Manager at Massage Envy Middletown
Hannah Lichtefeld, Graphic Designer at C2 Strategic Communications
Casandra Hernández Gutiérrez, Talent Acquisition Specialist at UPS
Beth Matran, Director of Partner Experience at Team Travel Source
Dr. Kevin Thomas, Professor of Instructional Technology at Bellarmine University
Justin Cary, Director of Sales and Business Development at Equipment Depot
Tosha Ridenour, Academies of Louisville Business Partnership Coordinator
Allen Lanning, Sr. Desktop Engineer at Yum! Brands Inc. and Technical Consultant at LanningTech

“Finding what you’re passionate about in high school will set you up for the rest of your life.”

— Michael Bryar

Finding Your Passion

Many panelists emphasized the importance of discovering one's passion early on. Michael Bryar, an Eastern graduate himself, shared, "Finding what you're passionate about in high school will set you up for the rest of your life." He credited his teachers for helping him uncover his interests in math and science, which eventually led him to engineering and equally credited his biology teacher in the audience for helping him realize he did not want a career in medicine after dissecting a pig.

Hannah Lichtefeld, a graphic designer, knew her calling from an early age. She discussed the importance of building a portfolio in her field, stating, "Developing a portfolio is more important than any degree in graphic design.” Dr. Ali Taylor engaged students by asking them to recall their most influential teacher. She then presented a list of qualities that make a good teacher, emphasizing the impact educators can have on students' lives and career choices.

Diverse Paths to Success

The panelists' stories highlighted that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to career success. Some, like Hannah Lichtefeld, always knew their calling. Others, like Michelle Tinnell, found their path through exploration. Tinnell, who initially considered nursing, found her calling in the beauty industry. She encouraged students to consider trades and franchises, noting, "There is growth in the company. The beauty industry is growing.”

Casandra Hernández Gutiérrez, a Fern Creek graduate, shared her journey with UPS: "I didn't know what I wanted to do. UPS has paid for my college. I'm in year eight at UPS and have been in recruiting for six years. Students start at $21/hour with 100% tuition reimbursement. I'm debt-free.”

Andrea Metts and Beth Matran from Team Travel Source spoke about the dynamic nature of the travel industry. They highlighted how this field offers unique opportunities and ensures no two days are alike, making it an exciting career choice for those who enjoy variety and new challenges.

The Value of Education and Skills

Dr. Kevin Thomas, with 31 years in education, urged students to "aim to make a difference in the world." He also highlighted an opportunity for Eastern students: "Eastern students can obtain 9 hours of college credit."

Michael Bryar emphasized the importance of skills and certifications in the job market: "Certifications pay money," he noted, adding that one of his workers is a CAD expert making good money.

“When you don’t have a plan, you’re planning to fail.”

— Travis Hines

Advice for the Future

The panelists offered valuable advice to the freshmen. Travis Hines cautioned, "When you don't have a plan, you're planning to fail." He spoke about the opportunities that lie ahead for the young audience.

Justin Cary provided a thoughtful perspective on career fulfillment: "Chasing money makes you feel good in the moment but leaves you empty in the long run. Two things have left me fulfilled in my career: doing work I'm passionate about and working with good people." He also posed a challenging question to the students: "Are your behaviors aligning with your goals?"

Tosha Ridenour emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities: "Take every opportunity...especially if it's fun." She highlighted how each of her jobs and internships contributed to her current position.

Looking Ahead

As the freshmen prepare to choose their pathways in February, this Career Exploration Panel provided them with valuable insights into various industries and career paths. The event exemplified Eastern High School's commitment to helping students make informed decisions about their futures.

Allen Lanning, an Eastern graduate now working at Yum! Brands Inc., left the students with an encouraging message: "I sat on your side." His words served as a powerful reminder that with passion, perseverance, and the right guidance, these freshmen could one day be sitting on the other side of the panel, inspiring the next generation of Eastern High School students.