Professionals can help shape a Mepham senior's future

For 15 years, Mepham students looking to dip their feet into the water of their potential future career have found partners and mentors in the business community with the Senior Experience program.

On Sept. 29, the program will host its second annual Internship Fair, and program runners are looking for local professionals willing to attend and offer their insights, or even mentor a student. In fact, this year, coordinators want to double last year’s participation.

According to Internship Coordinator Erica Wagner, some students in the program have been introduced to fields they didn’t even realize they had an interest in.

Samantha Doyle, who graduated in 2017, originally wanted to intern with a pediatric oncologist, but found it challenging.

“Luckily, the Internship Fair connected me with a mentor who piqued my interest in another field of medicine,” Doyle said. “I had a great experience working with him. I’m even working there right now, and will continue to do so as I begin college in the fall.”

Students in the program have interned in fields as diverse as fashion, physical therapy and law enforcement — with some students even having the chance to intern with the FBI, according to Wagner. Other students were able to work with Rolling Stone magazine and the Nassau County Coroner’s office.

These mentors “helped them navigate the real world,” said Wagner, and “gave them a pathway for a professional aspiration.”

Dylan O’Rourke, a physician’s assistant who mentored a Class of 2017 student said that the experience was fulfilling for him as well, calling the experience “a breath of fresh air.”

“It was fulfilling to be able to mold a motivated, eager young mind,” he said.

This year, the Senior Experience team — made up of Social Studies Chairperson Robyn Einbinder, class instructors Marc Achtziger and Sarah Bender, and Wagner — are looking to partner with local businesses.

According to Wagner, they hope double the number of professionals from the Bellmore-Merrick community participate this year and be willing to mentor a student for the 2017-2018 school year.

“Last year we had a great turnout,” Wagner said. “Eleven businesses from all over Long Island, including Mepham alumni, attended the fair, and this year we’re hoping to hear from more professionals in the district. It’s always great to see businesses of the community getting involved and having a positive impact on a student’s future.”

Any professionals willing to attend the Internship Fair and offer some insight about theie field of study and/or mentor a student can email Wagner at (e2wagner@bellmore-merrick.k12.ny.us).