On Jan. 29, the gym bustled with activity. With over 50 attendees, the College and Career Fair hosted a large range of people, including representatives from colleges, businesses, and military branches. Tables were lined up in rows and stocked with pamphlets. Students scattered throughout the gym talking to the representatives present. These representatives informed students about their opportunities post-graduation, with some businesses even looking to hire.  

Nurse Britany Coates attended the career fair to represent WellStar. Coates hoped that students would learn that there are many opportunities within WellStar other than being a nurse and that nursing is not a female-only job. Most of all, Coates wanted students to gain an interest in nursing. 

“Nursing is the best job there is, so they should definitely take an interest in it,” Coates said. “[Students interested in nursing should] make sure they keep up good grades because it is a competitive program, and just search into colleges. There are so many nursing programs through Georgia and so many opportunities for scholarships.” 

WellStar also offers a volunteer opportunity for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The VolunTEEN Program is hosted at Kennestone Hospital and allows students to get a firsthand look at a nurse’s daily tasks. Information for applying to this program is on the WellStar website. The application deadline is Feb. 28. 

“[Through the VolunTEEN Program,] you can get into the hospital and see the different areas, how things work, and get an idea for the healthcare system,” Coates said. 

Many college recruiters attended the College and Career Fair, including the University of Alabama which was represented by Regional Admissions Recruiter Andrew Morrison. Through his visit, he hopes that he can help students have a clearer idea of their future goals. 

“[I hope students gain] a greater appreciation for the college search process. [I hope] they ask good questions that are going to benefit them in terms of making the right fit and choosing the right college,” Morrison said.  

College is not the only path available for high schoolers. As such, multiple branches of the military attended to recruit students. Sgt. Nigel Kohring attended to recruit for the Georgia Army National Guard. Kohring talked to students about the benefits of joining the military and how to join. 

“I encourage people to join while they’re in high school. For one thing, you get [the benefits of full in-state tuition coverage] while you’re in high school. You can go ahead and start getting paid while you’re in high school, and [you can start] making your next rank,” Kohring said.

Other organizations were also present, such as Miranda Hudson from Women in Technology (WIT). WIT is a nonprofit that works to empower women in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). Hudson was getting students signed up to receive more information about the organization, with a total of 28 students signing up. 

“We need more girls around the table in tech,” Hudson said. “What we hope to do is get more people to sign up so they [can] attend our events, be eligible for scholarships, and just know more about the industry.”  

The College and Career Fair supplied students with knowledge of college admissions, career choices, and other future opportunities. The representatives shared their experiences within their career branches with students and shared information about how students can get involved. The fair gave students insight into their opportunities for the future.